JB Pritzker enhances his national reputation as one of Trump’s fiercest critics
The two-term governor has not yet revealed his decision regarding a reelection campaign for next year, but he is increasingly engaging in prominent appearances throughout the nation.
TroibNews 
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois — JB Pritzker finds himself at a significant political juncture.
As a well-liked, two-term governor of Illinois, he would likely be a strong contender if he decides to run for re-election in 2026. However, the passionate progressive Democrat is also actively enhancing his national profile, making prominent appearances across the nation, leveraging his considerable personal wealth to support Democratic initiatives, and criticizing the contentious policies of former President Donald Trump.
Pritzker advocates for a proactive approach for Democrats to reclaim their footing following the defeats they faced in November. “Democrats shouldn't fall into the trap that they fell into in 2024 of responding to everything that the Republicans say, given the way they twist things,” he remarked in a comprehensive interview within his Capitol office, where he signs bills. “Republicans keep asking the question, ‘Have you stopped beating your wife?’ There is no good answer to that."
Simultaneously, Pritzker insists that Democrats must robustly uphold essential values, criticizing the lack of an effective response from Kamala Harris’ campaign to Trump’s derogatory comments regarding her support of transgender rights. When asked what his response would have been, Pritzker stated: “First of all, stop picking on the smallest minority of people whose civil rights are just as important as yours. … Trans children are most likely of any group to commit suicide. Why do Republicans have no sympathy for that at all?”
Navigating a political balancing act, Pritzker aims to fortify his prospects both in Illinois and nationally. This strategy involves taking a fervent stance on critical issues like immigration and tariffs while also advocating for local constituencies, including Illinois farmers and veterans.
His pointed criticisms of Trump have attracted attention from notable national Democrats. David Hogg, the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, believes that more party leaders should adopt a similar approach, especially following his recent vow to provide funding for primary challenges against certain complacent Democrats in solidly blue districts. “We’re in a moment … where some people are saying, ‘We need to roll over and die’ and other people want to fight,” Hogg remarked about Democratic messaging. “JB wants to fight.”
Pritzker and his team had anticipated a loss in November, even while holding out hope for a Harris victory, according to Anne Caprara, who managed Pritzker’s victorious 2018 gubernatorial campaign and currently serves as his chief of staff. “JB is just a person who hopes for the best and prepares for the worst,” Caprara added.
Following the election, Pritzker’s immediate message was a warning to Trump and reassurance to Illinois’ Democratic base regarding his commitment to defending abortion rights, immigration policies, and LGBTQ+ protections in the face of potential assaults. “You come for my people, you come through me,” he declared just two days after the election.
Particularly vocal on immigration, Pritzker stands out as one of the few prominent Democrats vehemently opposing Trump’s immigration policies. His stance contrasts with that of many other ambitious Democrats who have sought to convey support for stricter enforcement efforts targeting undocumented immigrants after the election losses. “Why is Donald Trump kicking out law-abiding, tax-paying people who have been here 10 and 20 years and raised a family here?” Pritzker queried. “Why are they picking on those people and kicking them out? If you had proper immigration laws, you would want them to come to this country. We need them to fill jobs.”
While Pritzker has repeatedly stated his support for deporting criminals, his immigration views have made him a target for Republican Rep. James Comer’s Oversight Committee, which has summoned him to testify next month regarding Illinois’ sanctuary status rules that prevent local authorities from aiding federal immigration enforcement. “Sanctuary jurisdictions and their obstructionist policies hinder the ability of federal law enforcement officers to effectuate safe arrests and remove dangerous criminals from American communities,” Comer asserted in a statement about the upcoming hearing.
Pritzker has yet to announce whether he will comply with the committee's request, with his team branding it a “partisan dog and pony show.”
As he expressed his concerns about Trump’s policies, Pritzker sat under a large portrait depicting one of the famous debates between Republican Abraham Lincoln and Democrat Stephen Douglas. His criticisms of Trump, although sharp, have not reached the rhetorical heights of those past debates. Describing Trump, the Illinois governor has used terms such as “a narcissist,” “rich in stupidity,” and someone who “behaves like a fifth-grader,” even comparing the administration's actions to those of Hitler.
Caprara noted that Pritzker’s public communication style has been significantly influenced by his experience during the pandemic, where he conducted at least 85 televised press conferences to inform the public about COVID-19. “What we learned was that in times of really great uncertainty people value clear communication from their leaders,” she explained. “And they value communication that is not mealy mouthed or wishy-washy or obfuscating what actually is happening in the world. And so that is the world in which we've operated since November.”
Pritzker is now carrying that clear messaging across the nation. Since March, he has headlined several high-profile events, including the Jim Owles Winter Pride Gala in New York and the Human Rights Campaign's annual dinner in Los Angeles. He has taken center stage at Democratic events in Florida and Texas and is set to be the featured speaker at the New Hampshire Democrats’ iconic McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club dinner. Additionally, he will headline the Michigan Democratic Party Legacy Dinner in June.
Moreover, Pritzker’s Think Big America has invested in supporting progressive legislation and candidates throughout the country, including in conservative states. The nonprofit has backed abortion rights initiatives in nine states, successfully seeing seven pass over the last two election cycles, including in Ohio and Montana. “Abortion rights are broadly popular, and there are plenty of Republicans and independents who came out to vote for that issue and came to our side," remarked Mike Ollen, who leads the organization and is part of Pritzker’s inner circle from his 2022 gubernatorial campaign.
Pritzker, heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, has also generously contributed to races nationwide, donating $1.5 million to the successful Democrat-aligned candidate in a high-profile Wisconsin Supreme Court race last month. However, his increasing prominence on the national stage has not gone unnoticed by Illinois Republicans, who criticize it as political “grandstanding” and a “distraction” from the challenges facing the state, such as a projected $3 billion budget deficit. Party Chair Kathy Salvi refers to Pritzker’s speaking engagements as a rallying point in her communications to party members. “Pritzker’s largesse at the taxpayer’s trough drives the good people, families and business out of our beloved Illinois,” Salvi stated, adding, “He is crushing us. Save America from JB Pritzker.”
Pritzker contends that his national appearances should not be interpreted as a precursor to a presidential campaign. He asserts that his critiques of Trump are primarily aimed at shedding light on the adverse effects of Trump’s tariffs and federal cuts on his constituents in Illinois. “The more that I can help stoke that, the better it is for farmers here in Illinois,” he explained.
In discussions with critics, Pritzker and his team often emphasize the chaotic economic climate they inherited upon taking office. A nearly two-year budget deadlock between his predecessor and the Legislature had resulted in bond ratings plummeting toward junk status. Pritzker campaigned on an ambitious agenda and successfully achieved much of it during his first term, including raising the minimum wage, further safeguarding reproductive rights, legalizing cannabis, and restoring the state’s financial stability.
Highlighting his accomplishments, there is a sign in his office, prominently displayed across from the Lincoln portrait, that reads: “Illinois credit rating upgraded: Moody’s upgrade is state’s first in two decades.”
However, Pritzker frequently critiques the White House in public settings. Last week in Springfield, he took aim at the Trump administration concerning economic policies while addressing a group of high school members from the Future Farmers of America. “The harsh cuts to USDA programs proposed by DOGE and the tariffs that the president put in place are already taking their toll on our rural communities,” he noted.
Following his remarks, Pritzker fielded questions from statehouse reporters and then joined some Republican lawmakers to announce the winner of the “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois,” which was awarded to the Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump used in the recent Los Angeles wildfires. In the evening, he hosted a Passover Seder for state lawmakers and local rabbis.
The ongoing friction between Pritzker and Trump traces back to the 1990s, stemming from a legal battle between the Pritzker family and Trump over New York hotel properties. This tension escalated during the 2016 election when Trump triumphed over Hillary Clinton and further deteriorated during the pandemic.
As the COVID crisis intensified, Illinois hospitals became overwhelmed, and Pritzker put aside his reservations to reach out to Trump for assistance in securing vital medical supplies like N95 masks and ventilators. Pritzker shares with audiences, most recently on “The View,” that Trump agreed to assist but only if Pritzker publicly praised him on national talk shows. Although Pritzker reluctantly complied, he later expressed dissatisfaction when the promised supplies arrived inadequately. “He never delivered for us,” Pritzker asserted. “He never delivered for the American people.”
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
As a well-liked, two-term governor of Illinois, he would likely be a strong contender if he decides to run for re-election in 2026. However, the passionate progressive Democrat is also actively enhancing his national profile, making prominent appearances across the nation, leveraging his considerable personal wealth to support Democratic initiatives, and criticizing the contentious policies of former President Donald Trump.
Pritzker advocates for a proactive approach for Democrats to reclaim their footing following the defeats they faced in November. “Democrats shouldn't fall into the trap that they fell into in 2024 of responding to everything that the Republicans say, given the way they twist things,” he remarked in a comprehensive interview within his Capitol office, where he signs bills. “Republicans keep asking the question, ‘Have you stopped beating your wife?’ There is no good answer to that."
Simultaneously, Pritzker insists that Democrats must robustly uphold essential values, criticizing the lack of an effective response from Kamala Harris’ campaign to Trump’s derogatory comments regarding her support of transgender rights. When asked what his response would have been, Pritzker stated: “First of all, stop picking on the smallest minority of people whose civil rights are just as important as yours. … Trans children are most likely of any group to commit suicide. Why do Republicans have no sympathy for that at all?”
Navigating a political balancing act, Pritzker aims to fortify his prospects both in Illinois and nationally. This strategy involves taking a fervent stance on critical issues like immigration and tariffs while also advocating for local constituencies, including Illinois farmers and veterans.
His pointed criticisms of Trump have attracted attention from notable national Democrats. David Hogg, the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, believes that more party leaders should adopt a similar approach, especially following his recent vow to provide funding for primary challenges against certain complacent Democrats in solidly blue districts. “We’re in a moment … where some people are saying, ‘We need to roll over and die’ and other people want to fight,” Hogg remarked about Democratic messaging. “JB wants to fight.”
Pritzker and his team had anticipated a loss in November, even while holding out hope for a Harris victory, according to Anne Caprara, who managed Pritzker’s victorious 2018 gubernatorial campaign and currently serves as his chief of staff. “JB is just a person who hopes for the best and prepares for the worst,” Caprara added.
Following the election, Pritzker’s immediate message was a warning to Trump and reassurance to Illinois’ Democratic base regarding his commitment to defending abortion rights, immigration policies, and LGBTQ+ protections in the face of potential assaults. “You come for my people, you come through me,” he declared just two days after the election.
Particularly vocal on immigration, Pritzker stands out as one of the few prominent Democrats vehemently opposing Trump’s immigration policies. His stance contrasts with that of many other ambitious Democrats who have sought to convey support for stricter enforcement efforts targeting undocumented immigrants after the election losses. “Why is Donald Trump kicking out law-abiding, tax-paying people who have been here 10 and 20 years and raised a family here?” Pritzker queried. “Why are they picking on those people and kicking them out? If you had proper immigration laws, you would want them to come to this country. We need them to fill jobs.”
While Pritzker has repeatedly stated his support for deporting criminals, his immigration views have made him a target for Republican Rep. James Comer’s Oversight Committee, which has summoned him to testify next month regarding Illinois’ sanctuary status rules that prevent local authorities from aiding federal immigration enforcement. “Sanctuary jurisdictions and their obstructionist policies hinder the ability of federal law enforcement officers to effectuate safe arrests and remove dangerous criminals from American communities,” Comer asserted in a statement about the upcoming hearing.
Pritzker has yet to announce whether he will comply with the committee's request, with his team branding it a “partisan dog and pony show.”
As he expressed his concerns about Trump’s policies, Pritzker sat under a large portrait depicting one of the famous debates between Republican Abraham Lincoln and Democrat Stephen Douglas. His criticisms of Trump, although sharp, have not reached the rhetorical heights of those past debates. Describing Trump, the Illinois governor has used terms such as “a narcissist,” “rich in stupidity,” and someone who “behaves like a fifth-grader,” even comparing the administration's actions to those of Hitler.
Caprara noted that Pritzker’s public communication style has been significantly influenced by his experience during the pandemic, where he conducted at least 85 televised press conferences to inform the public about COVID-19. “What we learned was that in times of really great uncertainty people value clear communication from their leaders,” she explained. “And they value communication that is not mealy mouthed or wishy-washy or obfuscating what actually is happening in the world. And so that is the world in which we've operated since November.”
Pritzker is now carrying that clear messaging across the nation. Since March, he has headlined several high-profile events, including the Jim Owles Winter Pride Gala in New York and the Human Rights Campaign's annual dinner in Los Angeles. He has taken center stage at Democratic events in Florida and Texas and is set to be the featured speaker at the New Hampshire Democrats’ iconic McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club dinner. Additionally, he will headline the Michigan Democratic Party Legacy Dinner in June.
Moreover, Pritzker’s Think Big America has invested in supporting progressive legislation and candidates throughout the country, including in conservative states. The nonprofit has backed abortion rights initiatives in nine states, successfully seeing seven pass over the last two election cycles, including in Ohio and Montana. “Abortion rights are broadly popular, and there are plenty of Republicans and independents who came out to vote for that issue and came to our side," remarked Mike Ollen, who leads the organization and is part of Pritzker’s inner circle from his 2022 gubernatorial campaign.
Pritzker, heir to the Hyatt Hotel fortune, has also generously contributed to races nationwide, donating $1.5 million to the successful Democrat-aligned candidate in a high-profile Wisconsin Supreme Court race last month. However, his increasing prominence on the national stage has not gone unnoticed by Illinois Republicans, who criticize it as political “grandstanding” and a “distraction” from the challenges facing the state, such as a projected $3 billion budget deficit. Party Chair Kathy Salvi refers to Pritzker’s speaking engagements as a rallying point in her communications to party members. “Pritzker’s largesse at the taxpayer’s trough drives the good people, families and business out of our beloved Illinois,” Salvi stated, adding, “He is crushing us. Save America from JB Pritzker.”
Pritzker contends that his national appearances should not be interpreted as a precursor to a presidential campaign. He asserts that his critiques of Trump are primarily aimed at shedding light on the adverse effects of Trump’s tariffs and federal cuts on his constituents in Illinois. “The more that I can help stoke that, the better it is for farmers here in Illinois,” he explained.
In discussions with critics, Pritzker and his team often emphasize the chaotic economic climate they inherited upon taking office. A nearly two-year budget deadlock between his predecessor and the Legislature had resulted in bond ratings plummeting toward junk status. Pritzker campaigned on an ambitious agenda and successfully achieved much of it during his first term, including raising the minimum wage, further safeguarding reproductive rights, legalizing cannabis, and restoring the state’s financial stability.
Highlighting his accomplishments, there is a sign in his office, prominently displayed across from the Lincoln portrait, that reads: “Illinois credit rating upgraded: Moody’s upgrade is state’s first in two decades.”
However, Pritzker frequently critiques the White House in public settings. Last week in Springfield, he took aim at the Trump administration concerning economic policies while addressing a group of high school members from the Future Farmers of America. “The harsh cuts to USDA programs proposed by DOGE and the tariffs that the president put in place are already taking their toll on our rural communities,” he noted.
Following his remarks, Pritzker fielded questions from statehouse reporters and then joined some Republican lawmakers to announce the winner of the “Coolest Thing Made in Illinois,” which was awarded to the Aerial Firefighting Helicopter Refill Pump used in the recent Los Angeles wildfires. In the evening, he hosted a Passover Seder for state lawmakers and local rabbis.
The ongoing friction between Pritzker and Trump traces back to the 1990s, stemming from a legal battle between the Pritzker family and Trump over New York hotel properties. This tension escalated during the 2016 election when Trump triumphed over Hillary Clinton and further deteriorated during the pandemic.
As the COVID crisis intensified, Illinois hospitals became overwhelmed, and Pritzker put aside his reservations to reach out to Trump for assistance in securing vital medical supplies like N95 masks and ventilators. Pritzker shares with audiences, most recently on “The View,” that Trump agreed to assist but only if Pritzker publicly praised him on national talk shows. Although Pritzker reluctantly complied, he later expressed dissatisfaction when the promised supplies arrived inadequately. “He never delivered for us,” Pritzker asserted. “He never delivered for the American people.”
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
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