Illinois’ Democrat Governor J.B. Pritzker has provoked a backlash over allegations that he’s “inciting violence” with calls for “mass protests” against President Donald Trump.
It comes as Pritzker reignited speculation about his 2028 presidential ambitions over the weekend.
However, his call for anti-Trump leftists to take to the streets and “fight” has dominated headlines.
The governor spoke at the New Hampshire Democratic Party’s annual fundraising gala this weekend..
Pritzker became the first potential Democrat candidate to visit New Hampshire, or any early primary state, since the party’s big November losses.
“Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption. But I am now,” Pritzker declared.
“These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace,” Prtizker said,
“They have to understand that we will fight their cruelty with every megaphone and microphone that we have.
“We must castigate them on the soapbox and then punish them at the ballot box.”
His remarks have triggered outrage among Trump’s supporters.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Monday, Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy and homeland security advisor, said:
“His comments, if nothing else, could be construed as inciting violence.”
Pritzker told the first-in-the-nation