On Thursday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D) expressed concerns that White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller is supporting President Trump during his aggressive approach toward immigrants without legal status in the U.S.
“I think he really needs assistance,” Pritzker remarked during an interview with Tim Miller on the podcast “The Bulwark.” He added that those around Trump might hesitate to seek help due to the president’s waning capabilities, which gives them more influence.
Pritzker pointed specifically to Miller, stating, “Clearly Mr. Miller is the one driving the tactics related to the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).” He further asserted, “He’s clearly trying to turn Donald Trump into an authoritarian leader. I hope people recognize that Stephen Miller is detrimental to the country and is taking advantage of Trump’s reduced capacity.”
Miller, on his part, has frequently criticized Trump’s immigration policies. In May, he announced that the government aimed to apprehend 3,000 undocumented immigrants daily.
“President Trump will keep trying to increase that number every day to remove all the illegal immigrants that have come in during Biden’s administration,” Miller told Sean Hannity on Fox News.
Pritzker has been vocally critical of Trump and his advisors—particularly regarding the deployment of the National Guard to Chicago and throughout Illinois during ICE operations. Following Trump’s suggestion that Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) should be jailed, the governor responded defiantly, saying, “Come and get them.”
Just a few days later, Vice President Vance took aim at Pritzker during an appearance on ABC News’ “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos.
“Why is he so upset at Donald Trump for trying to ensure the safety of Chicagoans?” Vance asked. He suggested that Pritzker should be directing his frustration towards the criminals, claiming, “We’re trying to help him and the residents of his main city. I hope he can forgive us for stepping in, since he seemingly isn’t managing that job himself.”
