Trump tells 'slob' JB Pritzker to 'spend more time in gym' while threatening to send troops to Chicago

As Trump weighed sending troops beyond DC, the president attacked JB Pritzker for saying he was manufacturing a crime crisis to expand his power
UPDATED AUG 26, 2025
While speaking at the Oval Office, President Donald Trump criticized Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s physical condition (Getty Images)
While speaking at the Oval Office, President Donald Trump criticized Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s physical condition (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump slammed Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for criticizing his plans to end crime in Chicago. 

His remarks came after a report suggested his administration was considering sending thousands of National Guard members into the city.



 

Donald Trump rips JB Pritzker 

Speaking from the Oval Office, Donald Trump signed an executive order addressing no-cash bail in Washington, DC. Praising the National Guard for making DC "booming," he turned his criticism toward JB Pritzker.

"In a certain way, you really want to be asked to go. You know? I’d hate to barge in on a city and then be treated horribly by corrupt politicians and bad politicians like a guy like Pritzker. He ought to spend more time in the gym, actually. The guy is a disaster," Trump said.

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 30: U.S. President Donald Trump, joined by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, speaks to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. Musk, who served as an adviser to Trump and led the Department of Government Efficiency, announced he would leave the Trump administration to refocus on his businesses. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump, joined by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, speaks to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House on May 30, 2025 in Washington, DC (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

The president continued by criticizing the city itself. "Chicago, Illinois, is a disaster. I have property there. It’s a disaster."

Donald Trump says Chicago is a 'killing field' 

The tension escalated after a Washington Post report revealed Pentagon plans to deploy National Guard members to Chicago, which Trump defended by arguing Pritzker had no grounds to oppose.

"A slob like Pritzker criticizing us before we even go there. I made the statement that next should be Chicago, because as you all know, Chicago is a killing field right now," said Trump.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JUNE 08: Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker speaks during the WisDems 2024 State Convention on June 08, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for The Democratic Party of Wisconsin)
Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker speaks during the WisDems 2024 State Convention on June 08, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images)

He also responded to accusations that his actions reflected authoritarianism.

"And they don’t acknowledge it. And they say, 'We don’t need them. Freedom, freedom. He’s a dictator. He’s a dictator.' A lot of people are saying, 'Maybe we like a dictator?' I don’t like a dictator. I’m not a dictator; I’m a man with great common sense and a smart person," said Trump.

JB Pritzker says there is no emergency in Chicago 

Illinois leaders pushed back, noting that crime trends in the city were improving. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson pointed to falling violent crime numbers, in line with national urban patterns this year.

"There is no emergency that warrants the President of the United States federalizing the [Illinois National Guard], deploying the National Guard from other states, or sending active duty military without our own borders," Pritzker said in a thread on X.



 

He added that Trump was "attempting to manufacture a crisis." The remarks followed Trump's announcement of his plans to crack down on crime in Chicago last week.

Pritzker was also expected to hold a press conference Monday afternoon to reinforce that federal troops were unnecessary in Chicago immediately after Trump's remarks.

Internet reacts as Donald Trump ridicules JB Pritzker

The heated exchange quickly sparked reactions online, with users weighing in on Trump’s remarks.

"So true," wrote one user. 



 

Another quipped, "Is there a mirror in front of him?" 



 

One person sided with Trump, saying, "He’s not wrong!"



 

"A little diet and some time in the gym sure wouldn't hurt JB! He's a walking heart attack! 🤣🤣🤣," joked another.



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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