Two takes on billionaires at the DNC
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker proudly acknowledges his billionaire status at the DNC.
- Pritzker uses his wealth as a contrast to former President Trump.
- The move sparks discussions and reactions within the Democratic Party.
The NPR Network is providing live coverage from Chicago this week as the Democratic National Convention unfolds. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker made headlines with a bold statement during his speech, leveraging his billionaire status to critique former President Donald Trump. Pritzker remarked, "Donald Trump thinks we should trust him on the economy because he claims to be very rich, but take it from an actual billionaire," drawing applause from the audience. He further dismissed Trump’s wealth, stating, "Trump is rich in only one thing — stupidity." Former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger, known for his anti-Trump stance, commended Pritzker's remarks on social media, suggesting that they would provoke a strong reaction from Trump. Kinzinger stated, "I GUARANTEE you Trump is currently going even more insane," highlighting the tension between the two political figures. Trump's portrayal of himself as a successful billionaire has been met with skepticism, as he has avoided disclosing details about his finances, leading to questions about the authenticity of his wealth. Pritzker, who has an estimated fortune exceeding $3 billion, shares a similar background with Trump, having inherited much of his wealth. His comments came shortly after Senator Bernie Sanders criticized Republican policies that he argued disproportionately benefit the wealthy. Sanders emphasized the growing income and wealth inequality, labeling tax breaks for billionaires as "radical" in the current economic climate.