Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Compares Current Political Climate to the Pandemic

On a recent podcast, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed that the current political environment is “slightly worse” than the situation during the coronavirus pandemic, despite the significant death toll from the virus.

Pritzker spoke with podcast host Jennifer Welch, reflecting on how he feels each day is a blessing. He noted that he’s frequently questioned about whether the challenges faced under the Trump administration are comparable to the pandemic experience.

“It was tough,” he remarked. The governor elaborated, stating, “When asked if this moment is like the coronavirus, I think it’s probably slightly worse. Sure, we’ve seen many die due to Trump’s actions regarding the pandemic, but this is undeniably a tough time.”

He also alluded to previous comments he made in 2025, where he drew comparisons between the Trump administration and the rise of Nazi Germany. Pritzker asserted, “Authoritarian tactics are becoming evident. They target groups that don’t match the norm and encourage blame. If you think I’m exaggerating, consider that the Nazis took just over a month to dismantle a constitutional republic,” Pritzker had said back in February 2025.

During the podcast, he recalled how right-wing critics reacted negatively to his comments at the time, questioning his perspective. “People on the right attacked me, saying, ‘How could you even make that comparison?’ In contrast, those on the left were mostly quiet. Now, over the past year, more Democrats are suggesting that this feels similar to Germany in the 1930s. Republicans, however, won’t admit it,” he added.

Welch then inquired about Pritzker’s potential 2028 presidential run.

Pritzker acknowledged such discussions, expressing, “I’m honored that people are mentioning it.” But he hesitated, saying, “I honestly can’t say right now. My focus is on re-election as governor. There’s no limit on terms in Illinois, but it’s quite uncommon for someone to run for a third term.”

He shared his deep worries about the trajectory of the country and his intention to leverage his platform to address these issues. Pritzker, who is a billionaire, is often confronted with criticism regarding wealth as progressives challenge the role of affluent individuals in today’s society.

The governor mentioned his efforts to advocate for tax reductions for the working class while suggesting tax increases for wealthier individuals like himself. After the interview, Welch remarked on Pritzker’s willingness to push for higher taxes on those in similar financial positions.

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comments following the interview.