JB Pritzker taunts Trump over finances at DNC

The richest politician in US office risked backlash last night when he awkwardly boasted about being a billionaire right after Bernie Sanders ranted against the ultra-wealthy at the Democratic National Convention. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker was taking a jab at Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump who has been accused by lawmakers of exaggerating his net worth.

He taunted Trump during night two of the DNC in Chicago, telling the crowd: 'Donald Trump thinks we should trust him on the economy because he claims to be very rich. 'Take it from an actual billionaire, Trump is rich in only one thing: stupidity.'

The crowd erupted in cheers of support for the remarks, despite having listened to Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders rail against ultra-wealthy Americans moments prior. Governor Pritzker's net worth is estimated to be $3.5 billion, while Trump's net worth, according to Forbes, is estimated to be about $4.4 billion.

But Trump has been burdened by accusations of inflating his net worth for years. In 2023 court filings from New York Attorney General Letitia James, the former president was accused of regularly exaggerating his net worth - sometimes by more than $2 billion. James said Trump, in 2014, claimed he held $6.7 billion in assets, but she said that overstated his actual net worth that year by more than $2.2 billion.

Gov. Pritzker's family, meanwhile, owns the Hyatt hotel chain. Before running for governor's office in 2018, he ran a private equity firm alongside his brother, Anthony. 'I meet with business leaders all the time and there's one universal thing they all need: people,' Gov. Pritzker said.

'They need more workers to fill all the jobs they have, but the anti-freedom, anti-family policies of MAGA Republicans are driving workers away.' Gov. Pritzker told the crowd Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, would be a pair of safe hands running the nation, speaking of the 'serenity' Americans could experience if they win the November election.

'A serenity that comes with a balanced checkbook, an affordable grocery bill, and a housing market that has room for everyone,' he said. Gov. Pritzker's speech has faced a mixed public response, with some voters criticizing him for 'bragging' about his wealth during a time of such economic turmoil.

'Did you just brag about being a billionaire in this economy?' one critic asked on X. 'Is this supposed to be a flex?' another asked. 'Not a good look, might have sounded good in his head but wasn't in reality.' Others celebrated his 'inspiring speech', saying he 'dismantled Donald Trump' in front of the crowd.

'I hope the rest of the country is getting a taste of why we in Illinois like Governor JB Pritzker tonight,' one voter said. 'JB Pritzker is the people's billionaire and you WILL show him some respect,' another said. Overwhelmingly, voters seemed incredulous at the timing of his speech, which came directly after Sen. Sanders.

'Too many of our fellow Americans are struggling everyday to just get by,' Sanders said. 'To put food on the table to pay the rent and to get the healthcare they need. 'My fellow Americans, when 60% of us live paycheck to paycheck the top 1% have never ever had it so good. 'Brothers and sisters, bottom line we need an economy that works for all of us not just the billionaire class.'

Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Visit our profile page and hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.