Colbert Calls Out Homeland Security Secretary for Dodging Trump’s “Shithole” Remarks

“What the fjord are you talking about?”

Stephen Colbert on Tuesday roasted Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, who earlier in the day told a panel of senators that she did not hear Trump use the word “shithole” to describe African nations during a White House meeting about immigration last week. Nielsen’s claim of ignorance came despite multiple reports of lawmakers saying the president uttered the expletive. 

When pressed about Norway’s demographics, Nielsen also came under fire for claiming she did not know whether the country was predominantly white—an assertion that prompted Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) to question Nielsen’s competence as homeland secretary. 

Colbert added additional context for incredulity. “Really? You don’t know about Norway?” Colbert asked sarcastically. “What the fjord are you talking about? I will remind you, your name is Kirstjen Nielsen, with a silent J.”

But the “Late Show” host reserved his most scathing takeaway for Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who, during the same Senate Judiciary Committee hearing expressed sadness, wishing for a return of the Trump he once had known. “A president I was proud to golf with, call my friend,” Graham said nostalgically. “I don’t know where that guy went. I want him back.” He then pleaded for Trump to return to a more rational approach to immigration negotiations.

“Good point, senator,” Colbert said. “You know who I miss? This guy,” He then resurrected a clip of the South Carolina senator telling Trump to “go to hell” during the Republican primaries.

BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

payment methods

BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

payment methods

We Recommend

Latest

Sign up for our free newsletter

Subscribe to the Mother Jones Daily to have our top stories delivered directly to your inbox.

Get our award-winning magazine

Save big on a full year of investigations, ideas, and insights.

Subscribe

Support our journalism

Help Mother Jones' reporters dig deep with a tax-deductible donation.

Donate