In his State of the State speech in Springfield on Wednesday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker denounced Trump and U.S. fascism. The governor’s speech addressed Trump’s kingly claims and fascist actions while drawing parallels to the rise of Hitler in Germany. He also spoke out against the actions of Elon Musk and DOGE. Slashing healthcare coverage, veterans’ services, school funding, and support for farmers has already harmed or jeopardized countless Americans. Springfield, Illinois is just one city that will face unique and terrifying challenges under Trump.
Governor Pritzker Rejects Trump’s King Claim
“Daddy’s Little Fascist” Barron isn’t the only Trump getting called a fascist these days. In Donald’s case, it’s obvious why. The president has made the deportation and detainment of migrants a key policy. He’s also defunded aid programs, censored schoolbooks, and constructed a concentration camp in Guantanamo Bay. JB Pritzker addressed these actions and more in his annual State of the State speech in Springfield. “We don’t have kings in America, and I don’t intend to bend the knee to one,” said the Illinois governor.
Pritzker also highlighted the unique dangers that the disabled, elderly, and other marginalized people will face under Trump. Skyhigh healthcare costs were just one risk area highlighted by the governor. It’s apparent from the speech that Pritzker understands how quickly a democracy can devolve under fascist rule. Pritzker raised a dire warning regarding America’s timeline of resistance, saying,
It took the Nazis one month, three weeks, two days, eight hours and 40 minutes to dismantle a constitutional republic. All I’m saying is when the five-alarm fire starts to burn, every good person better be ready to man a post with a bucket of water if you want to stop it from raging out of control.
The call to action is a clear one. That said, a speech from JB Pritzker or any other governor won’t lift America above the rising tide of fascism. Still, Pritzker is right to say that “Tyranny requires your fear and your silence and your compliance.” Forcing opponents to comply in advance is a key fascist tactic. Resistance begins with the refusal to bend the knee.
