Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker strongly criticized former President Donald Trump for referring to his perceived enemies as “vermin,” equating it to the dehumanizing language used in Nazi Germany.
According to Pritzker, Trump’s rhetoric, which is echoed by his followers and far-right extremists, is reminiscent of the language used in 1930s Germany.
Before becoming governor, Pritzker played a role in planning and funding the Illinois Holocaust Museum, dedicated to educating the public on the Holocaust and other genocides.
“The things that he talks about are frightening to those of us who know the history of Europe in the 1930s and 1940s. I am deeply concerned about his predilection for revenge.”@GovPritzker on Trump calling his opponents “vermin.” Tune in on Sunday at 12 pic.twitter.com/TZbUaGJmsi
— Inside with Jen Psaki (@InsideWithPsaki) November 17, 2023
Trump has a history of using dehumanizing language to direct anger towards marginalized populations. He has specifically targeted Black and brown migrants to stoke fear about the U.S.-Mexico border and has made derogatory comments about undocumented immigrants.
Pritzker expressed deep concerns about Trump’s rhetoric, especially considering the rise of hate-fueled violence, including antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks in the U.S.
He mentioned the killing of a 6-year-old Palestinian American boy in Plainfield, Illinois, as an example, attributing the radicalization of the perpetrator to right-wing media.
