Fact Check: Governor J.B. Pritzker called for fellow governors and Americans to stand up against Donald Trump's authoritarian ambitions during a discussion with Jen Psaki.

Fact Check: Governor J.B. Pritzker called for fellow governors and Americans to stand up against Donald Trump's authoritarian ambitions during a discussion with Jen Psaki.

Published June 15, 2025
VERDICT
True

# Fact Check: Governor J.B. Pritzker Calls for Action Against Trump's Authoritarian Ambitions ## What We Know During a discussion with Jen Psaki, Ill...

Fact Check: Governor J.B. Pritzker Calls for Action Against Trump's Authoritarian Ambitions

What We Know

During a discussion with Jen Psaki, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker expressed concerns about Donald Trump's leadership style, describing it as authoritarian. He urged both fellow governors and Americans to actively oppose what he perceives as Trump's authoritarian ambitions. Pritzker highlighted the need for protests and mobilization against Trump’s policies, which he believes undermine democratic values (source-1, source-2).

In a separate speech, Pritzker warned that Americans are experiencing the "cruelty that comes with authoritarian rule," and he criticized Trump for allegedly handing over power to private interests, specifically mentioning Elon Musk (source-3). He has consistently framed Trump's actions as a threat to the constitutional republic, calling for a united Democratic front to combat this perceived threat (source-5).

Analysis

Pritzker's statements have been widely reported and are consistent across multiple credible sources. His remarks during the discussion with Jen Psaki were not only a critique of Trump but also a call to action for citizens and political leaders to engage in protests against what he views as authoritarian governance. The context of these comments is crucial; they were made in a politically charged environment where many Democrats are rallying against Trump's influence in American politics.

The sources reporting on Pritzker's comments include reputable news outlets such as MSNBC and The Hill, which are known for their political coverage. However, it is important to note that these outlets may have a liberal bias, particularly in their framing of Trump and his administration. This potential bias should be considered when evaluating the overall narrative presented in the articles (source-4, source-7).

Pritzker's characterization of Trump as an authoritarian aligns with a broader Democratic critique of Trump's presidency, which has been echoed by various political figures and commentators. This framing is supported by Trump's own actions and rhetoric, which have often been described as divisive and authoritarian by critics (source-6).

Conclusion

The claim that Governor J.B. Pritzker called for fellow governors and Americans to stand up against Donald Trump's authoritarian ambitions during a discussion with Jen Psaki is True. Pritzker's comments reflect a consistent theme in his public statements regarding Trump, emphasizing the need for active resistance to what he perceives as a threat to democracy. The evidence from multiple credible sources supports this assertion.

Sources

  1. Gov. Pritzker suggests protests could help GOP get over 'Trump ...
  2. JB Pritzker says Donald Trump is an unchecked 'authoritarian' - The Hill
  3. Pritzker warns of 'authoritarian rule' during 'better way forward ...
  4. Trump's DHS posts tip line propaganda amplified by white ...
  5. JB Pritzker rips Trump as 'authoritarian,' responds to president ...
  6. America Is Finally Getting A Fascist Dictator Parade ...
  7. JB Pritzker doubles down on calls for people to 'mobilize' against ...

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Fact Check: Transcript
00:00
News, Trump said there was
nothing he could do but it was
Mexico who stepped up to save
lives. While the flood waters
swept away homes, families and
hope in South Texas, the
governor appeared on
television, his voice shaking
saying his hands were tied that
he had no resources, no way to
help but someone did. From
across the river, without
cameras, without promises,
hundreds of Mexican rescuers
crossed over on their own. They
came with backpacks on their
shoulders, trained dogs by
their side, and hearts full of
faith. They didn't wait for
orders, they didn't ask for
permission. They just heard the
cry of a neighbor and they
answered and now, in the mud
and of cities like Laredo,
00:31
Eagle Pass and Mission, the
loudest voices aren't speaking
English. They're speaking
Spanish, Mexican voices saying,
hold on, we're here because
while Trump locks himself in
his office and the governor
throws his hands up to the sky,
Mexico is waste deep in the
water pulling people out alive.
Today, Texas faces its worst
climate disaster in years. The
first to react was not Trump.
But the people arrested in the
United States. So ask yourself
if you believe Trump's
immigration policies are wrong.
Drop a thank you Mexico in the
comments and share the story
before politics buries it.
Partially True
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Fact Check: Transcript 00:00 News, Trump said there was nothing he could do but it was Mexico who stepped up to save lives. While the flood waters swept away homes, families and hope in South Texas, the governor appeared on television, his voice shaking saying his hands were tied that he had no resources, no way to help but someone did. From across the river, without cameras, without promises, hundreds of Mexican rescuers crossed over on their own. They came with backpacks on their shoulders, trained dogs by their side, and hearts full of faith. They didn't wait for orders, they didn't ask for permission. They just heard the cry of a neighbor and they answered and now, in the mud and of cities like Laredo, 00:31 Eagle Pass and Mission, the loudest voices aren't speaking English. They're speaking Spanish, Mexican voices saying, hold on, we're here because while Trump locks himself in his office and the governor throws his hands up to the sky, Mexico is waste deep in the water pulling people out alive. Today, Texas faces its worst climate disaster in years. The first to react was not Trump. But the people arrested in the United States. So ask yourself if you believe Trump's immigration policies are wrong. Drop a thank you Mexico in the comments and share the story before politics buries it.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: Transcript 00:00 News, Trump said there was nothing he could do but it was Mexico who stepped up to save lives. While the flood waters swept away homes, families and hope in South Texas, the governor appeared on television, his voice shaking saying his hands were tied that he had no resources, no way to help but someone did. From across the river, without cameras, without promises, hundreds of Mexican rescuers crossed over on their own. They came with backpacks on their shoulders, trained dogs by their side, and hearts full of faith. They didn't wait for orders, they didn't ask for permission. They just heard the cry of a neighbor and they answered and now, in the mud and of cities like Laredo, 00:31 Eagle Pass and Mission, the loudest voices aren't speaking English. They're speaking Spanish, Mexican voices saying, hold on, we're here because while Trump locks himself in his office and the governor throws his hands up to the sky, Mexico is waste deep in the water pulling people out alive. Today, Texas faces its worst climate disaster in years. The first to react was not Trump. But the people arrested in the United States. So ask yourself if you believe Trump's immigration policies are wrong. Drop a thank you Mexico in the comments and share the story before politics buries it.

Jul 21, 2025
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