The Playbook Podcast From 'The Conversation': JB Pritzker says Trump is defunding the Chicago police
Oct 19, 2025
J.B. Pritzker, the Governor of Illinois, pushes back against Trump’s plans to militarize cities and jails political opponents, emphasizing the need for community safety and state autonomy. He discusses the importance of federal funding for crime reduction and warns against authoritarian tactics. Joining him is Jacqui Heinrich, Senior White House correspondent at Fox News, who shares insights on covering the Trump versus Biden administrations, the evolving role of press access, and attempts to impose restrictions on journalists. Their engaging conversation touches on democracy, media ethics, and accountability.
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Federal Cuts, Local Gains
- J.B. Pritzker says federal support for Chicago law enforcement has been cut, yet local and state efforts have still reduced violent crime significantly.
- He argues civilian law enforcement and community violence intervention, not militarization, are the effective tools to fight crime.
Militarization As Political Theater
- Pritzker frames the administration's deployments as an attempt to militarize cities and project authoritarian power.
- He emphasizes that Illinois is pushing back and winning in courts and public opinion.
Narrative Power Of Repetition
- Repetition from the presidency can shape public perception when opponents don't push back effectively.
- Pritzker points to tourism awards and local experience as counter-evidence to national branding of Chicago as a 'war zone.'