President Trump said early Wednesday that Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker “should be in jail” for trying to block National Guard troops from restoring order in Chicago — hours after the Democratic governor made unsubstantiated claims about the president’s mental health.
Pritzker escalated the war of words late Tuesday in a phone interview with the Chicago Tribune, blasting the deployment of troops sent to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during anti-ICE protests across the city.
“This is a man who’s suffering dementia,” said Pritzker — widely viewed as a potential Democratic presidential contender — offering no evidence for the charge.
“He doesn’t read. He doesn’t know anything up to date. It’s just something in the recesses of his brain that is effectuating to have him call out these cities,” he added, citing Chicago and Portland, Oregon.
Trump hit back early Wednesday, targeting both Pritzker and Chicago’s progressive mayor, Brandon Johnson.
“Chicago Mayor [should be in jail] for failing to protect ICE officers! Governor Pritzker also!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Pritzker responded on X: “I will not back down. Trump is now calling for the arrest of elected representatives checking his power. What else is left on the path to full-blown authoritarianism?”
I will not back down.
Trump is now calling for the arrest of elected representatives checking his power.
What else is left on the path to full-blown authoritarianism? pic.twitter.com/TieJ2irYv5
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) October 8, 2025
Johnson added: “This is not the first time Trump has tried to have a Black man unjustly arrested. I’m not going anywhere.”
This is not the first time Trump has tried to have a Black man unjustly arrested. I’m not going anywhere. pic.twitter.com/MQdHtzis3t
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) October 8, 2025
Trump’s comments followed the arrival of roughly 200 Texas National Guard troops in Illinois on Tuesday to protect federal personnel and property amid days of anti-immigration protests.
A Pentagon official stated that the Guard members were mobilized for an initial 60-day mission to support federal protection efforts.
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