War of words reignites with Trump, Pritzker, Bailey
(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump has resumed his war of words with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who responded by criticizing Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey.
The president was asked during an event outside the White House on Tuesday about possibly endorsing Bailey against Pritzker.
“I like Darren Bailey. J.B. Pritzker is a slob of a governor. You know, he could call me and I’d send the National Guard in. Chicago would have no crime,” Trump said.
Pritzker’s gubernatorial campaign released a statement in response, saying Darren Bailey twists himself into a pretzel to avoid his own record and hide his admiration for Trump.
The president and the governor have repeatedly exchanged insults since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. Pritzker is expected to run for president in 2028.
The governor spoke in Normal on Tuesday and was asked about the president’s statement that he liked Bailey.
“Well, I know Darren Bailey and Donald Trump are BFFs, and so that’s what Donald Trump is reflecting. They really are close. And you know, I think it’s sad that Darren Bailey is unwilling and unable to stand up and criticize the president’s war in Iran,” Pritzker said.
Bailey said Illinois taxpayers have had enough of Pritzker.
“He’s scared to death of his future because we all know that his aspiration is to run as president, so I’ve got plenty to do to criticize him right here at home,” Bailey told The Center Square.
Bailey said he’s running for governor, not president. The GOP candidate said Pritzker is not offering relief to the people of Illinois because he lives in a different world.
Latest News Stories
Mokena Fire Station 2 Slated for Bunk Room Renovations
Mokena Enacts New Regulations for E-Bikes, Scooters, and Golf Carts
Commission Approves Mokena-Area Garage Variance Over Village’s Objection
Will County Committee Advances Gougar Road Bridge Project with Over $540,000 in Agreements
JJC Receives Surprise $1.9 Million from IRS Employee Retention Credit
JJC Advances ERP Modernization with New Vendor and Two-Year Budget
Will County Committee Shapes 2026 Legislative Agendas on Housing, Energy, and Health
Congressional Perks: Committees, caucuses cost $50 million since 2019
JJC Authorizes Land Buy for Grundy County Expansion, Secures Site in Morris
FAA funding problems hit airports in California, elsewhere
Judge bars ICE from acting against ‘protestors,’ ‘rapid response’ activists
Report: IL public schools show low academic proficiency, higher taxpayer funding