Pritzker Accuses Trump of Diverting $1.8 Billion to Allies and Jan. 6 Defendants

As Americans Struggle to Afford Groceries, Trump Gives Taxpayer Dollars to Allies and Himself While Darren Bailey Stays Silent

Submitted by the Governor JB Pritzker Campaign

May 19, 2026 11:45 AM

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CHICAGO – Today, Donald Trump’s Department of Justice announced a $1.8 billion taxpayer fund for his allies, including January 6 insurrectionists, reaffirming this administration as the most corrupt in American history. While working Americans struggle with rising costs, Trump is using taxpayer dollars to reward loyalists, billionaire friends, and convicted criminals.

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In response, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement:

“Donald Trump is stealing $1.8 billion from taxpayers to enrich himself and reward his closest allies, billionaire cronies, and January 6 insurrectionists. At a time when his failed economic policies have skyrocketed grocery prices and stripped Americans of access to healthcare, his priorities demonstrate complete disregard for working families.

“In Trump’s White House there is unlimited taxpayer money to fund his vanity and self-enriching policies — like a $1 billion ballroom, an unending war of choice, and now a slush fund for his crooked allies — but never to deliver for working families. Let’s call it like it is: The most corrupt president in American history is taking money out of your pocket.”

Illinois deserves leaders who stand up to Donald Trump’s corruption and disregard for hardworking taxpayers. While Darren Bailey stays silent on Trump’s corrupt agenda to pay off his political debts and reward his cronies, Governor Pritzker will continue to focus on lowering costs, providing relief for Illinois working families, and standing up against Trump’s corruption and disastrous economic policies.

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