President Trump has once again zeroed in on Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, criticizing the Democrat’s handling of Chicago’s persistent violence following a weekend that left six dead and over two dozen wounded. Trump’s pointed remarks, delivered via Truth Social, underscore his administration’s push for federal intervention in high-crime urban areas, a strategy he recently implemented in Washington, D.C., by federalizing local police and deploying the National Guard.
“Six people were killed, and 24 people were shot, in Chicago last weekend, and JB Pritzker, the weak and pathetic Governor of Illinois, just said that he doesn’t need help in preventing CRIME,” Trump wrote. “He is CRAZY!!! He better straighten it out, FAST, or we’re coming!”
The president’s warning echoes his earlier executive actions aimed at restoring order in the nation’s capital, signaling that Chicago might soon face similar measures if local leaders continue to resist assistance. Trump also took a personal jab at Pritzker earlier in the week, saying he “ought to spend more time in the gym, actually.”
Pritzker fired back, labeling Trump’s tactics “unconstitutional” and “a dangerous power grab.” In response to the gym quip, the governor retorted, “it takes one to know one on the weight question.”
Chicago’s crime challenges remain a flashpoint, with the city topping the nation in total homicides for 13 consecutive years, according to White House data. While city officials report declines in violent crime for 2025—homicides down 32 percent through the first half of the year, totaling 188, and shootings reduced by 39 percent—the per capita murder rate continues to outpace major cities like Los Angeles and New York. As of late August, the homicide count stands at 262, highlighting the ongoing strain on law enforcement despite these improvements.
Adding fuel to the feud is speculation that Pritzker’s noticeable weight loss could be part of preparations for a 2028 White House bid. Political observers have noted the governor’s slimmer appearance as a potential sign of national ambitions, drawing parallels to figures like Chris Christie and Mike Pompeo, who underwent similar transformations before launching campaigns.