GOP Faces Backlash Over Body-Shaming Illinois Governor

The party's Valentine's Day jab at Governor JB Pritzker's weight sparks outrage from some Republicans.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The official GOP X account used Valentine's Day as an opportunity to mock Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's weight, sharing an AI-generated image depicting him gorging on unhealthy foods. This move has sparked backlash from some within the Republican party, who have criticized the party's unprofessional and juvenile approach.

Why it matters

The GOP's fat-shaming tactics are seen as a continuation of former President Donald Trump's own history of body-shaming political opponents, which has raised concerns about the party's willingness to engage in personal attacks rather than focusing on policy. This incident highlights the growing divisions within the Republican party as it grapples with its identity in the post-Trump era.

The details

The GOP X account shared an AI-generated Valentine's Day image depicting Governor Pritzker wearing a bib and eating a large amount of unhealthy food, with the caption 'My love for you is bigger than JB Pritzker.' This post was criticized by some Republicans, including former GOP communications specialist Douglas Heye, who called it 'disgraceful, juvenile garbage.' The party's stance echoes former President Trump's own history of mocking Pritzker's weight, including calling him a 'fat slob' and suggesting he spend more time at the gym.

  • In November 2025, Trump ridiculed Pritzker as a 'big fat slob' during a White House turkey pardon event.
  • In August 2025, Trump told reporters that Pritzker 'ought to spend more time at the gym' and speculated that his recent weight loss might give him a 'chance' at running for president in 2028.

The players

JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois, who has been the target of body-shaming attacks from former President Trump and now the GOP.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who has a history of mocking the physical appearances of his political opponents, including Governor Pritzker.

GOP X account

The official Twitter account of the Republican Party, which posted the controversial Valentine's Day image mocking Governor Pritzker's weight.

Douglas Heye

A Republican operative and communications specialist who criticized the GOP's body-shaming tactics as 'disgraceful, juvenile garbage.'

Gregg Nunziata

A former staffer for Marco Rubio, who expressed his dismay at the GOP's 'disgraceful, juvenile garbage' and the party's 'personality cult and anti-constitutional enthusiasm for rule by executive decree.'

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What they’re saying

“This never would have gone out when I was running the RNC comms shop. Reveling in unprofessionalism.”

— Douglas Heye, GOP operative and communications specialist (X)

“I still consider myself a Republican but this disgraceful, juvenile garbage, along with the personality cult and anti constitutional enthusiasm for rule by executive decree makes it harder every day.”

— Gregg Nunziata, Former Marco Rubio staffer (X)

What’s next

The GOP's body-shaming tactics have sparked outrage within the party, and it remains to be seen how the party will respond to the growing criticism. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican party as it navigates the post-Trump era.

The takeaway

The GOP's decision to engage in personal attacks and body-shaming against a political opponent reflects a concerning trend of prioritizing political point-scoring over substantive policy discussions. This incident underscores the need for the Republican party to reconsider its approach and focus on addressing the real issues facing the country.