Illinois’ Democrat Governor J.B. Pritzker has provoked a backlash over allegations that he’s “inciting violence” with calls for “mass protests” against President Donald Trump.
It comes as Pritzker reignited speculation about his 2028 presidential ambitions over the weekend.
However, his call for anti-Trump leftists to take to the streets and “fight” has dominated headlines.
The governor spoke at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s annual fundraising gala this weekend..
Pritzker became the first potential Democrat candidate to visit New Hampshire, or any early primary state, since the party’s big November losses.
“Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption. But I am now,” Pritzker declared.
“These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace,” Prtizker said,
“They have to understand that we will fight their cruelty with every megaphone and microphone that we have.
“We must castigate them on the soapbox and then punish them at the ballot box.”
His remarks have triggered outrage among Trump’s supporters.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Monday, Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security advisor, said:
“His comments, if nothing else, could be construed as inciting violence.”
Pritzker told the first-in-the-nation primary crowd this weekend:
“It’s time to fight everywhere and all at once.”
Pritzker later told reporters he was referring to political action.
However, Trump’s base wasn’t so convinced.
In a post on X, Donald Trump Jr. asked:
“Are you trying to inspire a 3rd assassination attempt on my dad?
“Two wasn’t enough for you?”
Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) said Pritzker’s comments are the latest demonstration that Democrats are “out of touch” with American voters.
“One of the biggest successes of President Trump’s first 100 days has been securing our southern border and keeping Americans safe,” McCormick said on X.
“Democrats drumming up ‘mass protests’ opposing this obvious success story shows just how out of touch they are with everyday Americans.”
“…and Pritzker cannot know a moment of a presidency,” legal scholar Professor Jonathan Turley said.
“He is only the last Democrat to fuel the rage in calling ‘for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption.’
Turley noted that Democrats have consistently called for “mass protests” since Trump returned to the Oval Office in January.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) made headlines earlier this year when he called for Democrats to “fight” Trump’s agenda “in the streets.”
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) joked on X that Illinois Republicans are welcome in Missouri:
“We welcome the Republican refugees from the Land of Lincoln suffering under the tyranny of the Pritzker regime to the free state of Missouri!”
And the Illinois Republican Party chimed in as well, slamming Pritzker’s presidential ambitions and what the party chair described as a politically divisive speech.
Illinois Republican Party Chair Kathy Salvi said in a statement:
“JB Pritzker’s ego-driven obsession with becoming president is putting Illinois, and Republicans across the country, at risk.
“His inflammatory and dangerous speech is focused on further dividing our country, and I hope to see Illinois Democrats condemn his call for violence.”
Salvi said it’s “clear that Pritzker’s only priority is what’s best for him and his presidential bid,” and his trip to New Hampshire is “further proof that he’s already left Illinois behind.”
Trips to New Hampshire have long been seen as an early indicator of a politician’s interest in running for president in the next election.
For over a century, the state has held the first primary in the race for the White House.
The billionaire Democrat has emerged during the president’s first 100 days as one of the most vocal critics of Trump’s executive actions, Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts, and the administration’s policies, including immigration reform and federal funding.
Pritzker’s comments are the latest in a long-standing feud between the two politicians.
Trump often evoked Pritzker’s name on the campaign trail as an example of the downfall of Democrat-run states.
“Sloppy J.B. Pritzker… has presided over the destruction and disintegration of Illinois at levels never seen before in any State,” Trump wrote on Truth Social last year.
“Crime is rampant, and people are, sadly, fleeing Illinois.
“Unless a change is made at the Governor’s level, Illinois can never be Great Again!”
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