Springfield, IL – President Donald Trump ignited controversy on May 20, 2025, by fat-shaming Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and branding him “the worst governor in America” during a speech addressing state tax deductions. The remarks, reported by Axios, targeted Pritzker’s physical appearance, calling him “The Big JB who’s going nowhere,” alongside a jab at California Governor Gavin Newsom as “Newscum.” The personal attack has drawn sharp rebuke from Democrats, who argue Trump’s vitriol stems not from Pritzker’s record but from his vocal opposition to the president’s agenda. The incident underscores the escalating political feud between the two leaders.
Pritzker, a billionaire heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune and a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender, has emerged as one of Trump’s fiercest critics. His April 27 speech in New Hampshire, where he called for “mass protests” against Trump’s policies, drew accusations of inciting violence from White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. Pritzker, appearing on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on May 1, responded to Trump’s taunts, quipping, “He loves to make fun of people… that’s how you know he’s afraid of you.” He suggested nicknames like “JBeefy” and “JBurger,” turning the insult into a moment of defiance.
Trump’s comments, made while discussing the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap, also criticized Pritzker’s governance, claiming he’s “too busy eating” to lead effectively. Posts on X amplified the attack, with users like
@RedWave_Press and
@candygal1536 echoing Trump’s insults, while
@CalltoActivism defended Pritzker, arguing, “Trump doesn’t hate JB because he’s bad—he hates him because JB leads with decency.” Pritzker’s record includes signing a first-in-the-nation executive order on May 13 to protect autism-related health data from federal collection, a direct rebuke to Trump’s administration, and mobilizing Democratic governors against Trump’s immigration policies.
Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have rallied behind Pritzker, praising his resistance to Trump’s “authoritarian” moves, such as mass deportations and federal funding cuts. A Chicago Tribune report noted Pritzker’s rising national profile alongside Ocasio-Cortez, contrasting his billionaire status with her working-class roots. Critics, however, question Pritzker’s electability, with Democratic pollster Ben Tulchin noting that his wealth could alienate primary voters. Meanwhile, Republicans like Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) dismissed Pritzker’s critiques, citing Illinois’s population decline as evidence of poor leadership.
The feud highlights broader tensions. Pritzker’s call for protests, condemned by some as reckless, resonated with Democrats frustrated by Trump’s policies, earning a standing ovation in New Hampshire. His actions, like severing ties with El Salvador over its support for Trump’s deportations, signal a combative stance. Trump’s personal attacks, however, may backfire, with analysts suggesting they bolster Pritzker’s image as a principled foe. A May KFF poll shows 62% of Illinois voters approve of Pritzker’s leadership, despite economic challenges.
As Pritzker eyes a third term or a 2028 run, Trump’s insults underscore a divide: one leader betting on divisive rhetoric, the other on policy-driven resistance. The nation watches whether Pritzker’s “decency” can outshine Trump’s provocations.
