War of words reignites with Trump, Pritzker, Bailey

War of words reignites with Trump, Pritzker, Bailey

May 20, 2026/
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By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(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.

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