Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently used strong language to criticize supporters of former President Donald Trump and advocates for school choice during a speech at the Illinois Federation of Teachers event in Rosemont on October 19.
In his remarks, Pritzker addressed concerns about educational policies and accused Republicans of attempting to redirect public funds to private institutions. “Books are being banned. History is being erased. Republicans want to take billions away from public schools and pump it into private institutions. They want to punish teachers for telling the truth. They want to criminalize educators for supporting LGBTQ students. They want to turn classrooms into cultural war battlegrounds,” Pritzker said.
He continued, “I’m sorry to be vulgar, but Donald Trump and his cronies can f*** all the way off,” which prompted a standing ovation from those present.
Later, when questioned by NBC Chicago reporter Mary Ann Ahern about his language, Pritzker responded: “It was a feeling I had in that moment and frankly I don’t.. I think.. all the limits are off with Donald Trump as president in terms of what our reactions are to what he has to say. He uses that word.”
The governor’s comments have drawn attention due both to their content and delivery, particularly given his personal history with private education—Pritzker attended private schools himself and has sent his children to private schools as well.
