Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker takes aim at Trump with jaw-dropping accusation

President Donald Trump is facing strong backlash in Illinois after deploying Texas National Guard troops to the state during recent anti-immigration protests. The move sparked outrage among local leaders, including Governor JB Pritzker, who harshly criticized the president and questioned his mental fitness.

The deployment involves about 500 troops stationed at an Army Reserve base southwest of Chicago. They are set to remain for 60 days, though an ongoing lawsuit challenges the legality of their presence in Illinois.

While Trump’s supporters and several Republican officials praised the action, Democrats and state leaders condemned it as federal overreach. In response to criticism, Trump lashed out, saying that both Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson “should be in jail” for failing to protect federal officers.

Pritzker escalated the dispute, accusing Trump of “suffering from dementia.” Speaking to the Chicago Tribune, he described the president as “a man who doesn’t read or understand current events” and claimed that Trump is using the military and federal power to push his own agenda.

Concerns about Trump’s health have circulated for months, particularly after recurring bruises on his right hand were noticed during public appearances and his hush money trial earlier this year.

The White House dismissed speculation, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying the marks come from frequent handshakes and are unrelated to any medical issue.

Medical experts told The Economic Times the bruising likely results from minor trauma or a blood draw, while the president continues preparing for his annual health inspection amid renewed public scrutiny.