Illinois governor on Trump win: ‘You come for my people, you come through me’

CHICAGO — Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday said the state is prepared for a second Trump presidency and vowed to protect vulnerable communities as the White House prepares for a transition of power.

"Over the years ahead, we’ll do more than just protect against the possible reversion to an agenda that threatens to take us backward. We will continue to advance a positive, productive, and inclusive agenda of our own," he said during a press event at a state office building at 555 W. Monroe St. "Despite his threats to health care coverage and educational opportunity and a fair minimum wage, Illinois will continue to invest in the well-being and prosperity of our people."

Pritzker spoke to reporters for about 30 minutes but declined to speculate on why the election played out for Democrats the way that it did, saying it was too early to know all the answers. Instead, he focused his remarks on acknowledging those Illinoisans who may be feeling anxious after the election, saying he's taken steps with the General Assembly to plan ahead on abortion, the environment, labor and business investments.

Trump has said that on day one, he will revoke transgender student protections enacted earlier this year by the Biden administration. He's also said he would move on day one to revoke a Biden executive order to “embed equity principles, policies, and approaches across the Federal Government."

The president-elect's victory raises questions about the future of abortion access in the United States. The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022. Trump recently stated he believes states should determine their own policies, though as president he supported a House bill that would have banned abortion nationwide after 20 weeks.

Under Pritzker, Illinois has maintained some of the strongest abortion protection laws in the country. The governor has also passed legislation to give people access to gender-affirming care.

Pritzker offered a contentious rebuke to anyone who would attempt to limit the rights or protections of Illinoisans.

“People have often said that I’m a happy warrior, and I’ve always taken seriously my role as a happy warrior on behalf of this state. Even today, when I’m struggling with many of the difficult questions this election poses, my optimism for the future remains undiminished,” Pritzker said.

“To anyone who intends to come take away the freedom and opportunity and dignity of Illinoisans, I would remind you that a happy warrior is still a warrior. You come for my people, you come through me.”

Asked about federal funding and what the state would do should the president deny police grants, Pritzker said it would be illegal for the administration to withhold nonpartisan grants issued by independent groups.

Regarding questions about the state's projected $3.2 billion budget shortfall in 2026, Pritzker affirmed his budget will be balanced and cautioned that history shows the flat projection forecast is typically inaccurate.

Pritzker was asked about his plans to make his own bid for president in the next election cycle. He said he was happy with what he's doing and had nothing to announce.