Vice President Vance stated on Sunday that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker should face repercussions after President Trump suggested that Pritzker ought to be jailed for not enforcing federal immigration laws.
During his appearance on ABC News’ “This Week,” host George Stephanopoulos pressed Vance on whether he believed the Democratic governor had committed a crime, highlighting Trump’s call for Pritzker’s imprisonment.
“I think Governor Pritzker has not ensured the safety of people in Illinois,” Vance remarked, citing Chicago’s troubling homicide rate.
“Why is he upset with Donald Trump for trying to protect Chicagoans? He should direct his anger toward the criminals he’s allowed to roam free.” Vance added, “We’re trying to assist him and the residents of his city. We hope he appreciates that, especially since he’s not effectively managing that situation.”
Stephanopoulos then asked directly if Vance concurred with Trump’s view that Pritzker had committed a crime.
Vance sidestepped the query but asserted that he believes Pritzker should face consequences for his governance. “I believe he has permitted an alarming number of fatalities in Chicago and other areas, George. It’s truly shameful, and he should bear some accountability for the innocent lives lost due to his governance failures,” he expressed.
When pressed again, Vance admitted that he felt Pritzker “violated a fundamental oath of office,” yet maintained it was up to the judicial system to determine if any crime had occurred.
“It’s basically a yes or no question,” Stephanopoulos pointed out. “Do you think he committed a crime?”
“George, you can keep asking, and I will keep stating that Governor Pritzker has not performed his duties appropriately. He should face consequences for that,” Vance reiterated.
“In the end, it’s for the courts to determine if he committed a crime, but I do think he’s acted against his fundamental oath. That feels quite serious to me. Let the judge and jury sort it out,” he concluded.
Pritzker subsequently appeared on ABC News, arguing that the Trump administration was fabricating stories to pressure individuals.
“We just witnessed a slew of falsehoods from the vice president. It’s rather startling. He has consistently misrepresented facts on national television,” Pritzker commented.
“There’s a reason federal judges have remarked that this administration lacks credibility, and even the Nobel Prize chair has called out its integrity issues. This administration, led by someone with multiple felony convictions, is threatening the imprisonment of political opponents,” he added.
Pritzker reiterated his commitment to advocate for his constituents. “They’re fabricating narratives to target individuals. It’s evident every day. His threats don’t intimidate me. I will continue to represent the people of my state. We all need to unite, as there’s a concerning amount of unconstitutional behavior emanating from this administration directed at our state and citizens. Both Democrats and Republicans need to stand up against it,” he declared.
