Former US President Donald Trump has plunged into yet another controversy, this time launching a deeply personal and derogatory attack on the physical appearance of Illinois's Democratic Governor, JB Pritzker.
The incendiary remarks were made during a private phone call with supporters, which was later leaked to the press. In the recording, Trump is heard taking aim at the governor's weight, stating, "That Pritzker, he's a real beauty. He ought to spend more time at the gym."
A Pattern of Personal Attacks
This is not the first time Trump has used personal insults as a political weapon. His history is littered with similar barbs directed at opponents, from "Little Marco" Rubio to "Low-energy Jeb" Bush. This latest comment, however, has been widely condemned as a new low, even by his own standards.
Critics were quick to label the remark as blatant body-shaming and a cheap shot designed to distract from substantive policy debates. The incident highlights the intensely personal and often vicious nature of modern American political discourse.
Pritzker's Response and Political Repercussions
Governor Pritzker, a prominent figure within the Democratic Party and a key ally of President Biden, has not publicly responded to the insult. His office has so far declined to comment, perhaps opting to take the high road.
However, political analysts suggest the attack could backfire on Trump. By focusing on personal appearance rather than policy, he risks alienating moderate voters and reinforcing his reputation for bullying behaviour. The incident is likely to further galvanise his opponents and deepen existing political divisions.
The story continues to develop as commentators and the public weigh in on the appropriateness of such personal critiques in political life.
