Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has strongly criticized President Trump's recent executive orders, particularly the one aimed at revoking birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants. Pritzker labeled the order "unconstitutional" and vowed not to enforce it within Illinois. He expressed his disapproval during a press conference, as reported by Politico.

The executive order, titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship," argues that the 14th Amendment does not automatically grant citizenship to those born in the U.S. However, the amendment clearly states: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." This discrepancy has led many legal scholars to believe that altering birthright citizenship requires a constitutional amendment, not an executive order, and predict legal challenges from civil rights organizations and immigration advocates.

Governor Pritzker, speaking at a transgender support rally in Chicago in 2022. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Trump's supporters and some conservative legal experts contend that granting birthright citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants stems from a misinterpretation of the 14th Amendment.

President Trump displays a signed executive order at his inauguration event in Washington D.C., January 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Governor Pritzker also criticized the series of executive actions issued by President Trump targeting immigration, federal diversity programs, and other issues. He expressed concern over the lack of communication with state governors before these orders were announced, characterizing the Trump administration as chaotic. He stated that he learned about the executive orders through the same public channels as everyone else.

President Trump signs another executive order during his second term inauguration parade, January 20, 2025. (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)

Pritzker further criticized Trump's association with prominent figures from Silicon Valley, such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, who were present at the inauguration. He accused Trump of prioritizing the interests of the wealthy elite over ordinary Americans. Ironically, Pritzker himself is a billionaire, a member of the family that owns the Hyatt hotel chain.

Pritzker's primary concern, he stated, is the perceived threat to individual rights posed by the new administration, a challenge he believes will be a constant throughout Trump's presidency.