GOP Faces Backlash Over Fat-Shaming Illinois Governor

Some Republicans criticize the party's body-shaming post targeting Democratic Governor JB Pritzker.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Republican Party faced internal criticism after its official X account posted an AI-generated Valentine's Day image mocking Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's weight. The post, which depicted Pritzker gorging on fast food, was condemned by some GOP operatives as "disgraceful, juvenile garbage." The party's fat-shaming stance echoes former President Donald Trump's past attacks on Pritzker's appearance, which the governor has often responded to with self-deprecating humor.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party, as some members distance themselves from the party's more divisive tactics. It also reflects the broader debate around body-shaming and the use of personal attacks in political discourse.

The details

The GOP X account shared an AI-generated Valentine's Day image mocking Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's weight, depicting him eating a large amount of fast food. This prompted criticism from some Republican operatives, who called the post "disgraceful, juvenile garbage" and said it would not have been approved under their watch. The party's fat-shaming stance mirrors former President Donald Trump's past attacks on Pritzker's appearance, which the governor has often responded to with self-deprecating humor.

  • On February 14, 2026, the GOP X account posted the controversial Valentine's Day image targeting Governor Pritzker.
  • In November 2025, Trump ridiculed Pritzker as a "big fat slob" during a White House turkey pardon event.
  • In August 2025, Trump suggested Pritzker should "spend more time at the gym" and speculated about the governor's potential 2028 presidential run.

The players

JB Pritzker

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

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who has a history of making derogatory comments about Pritzker's appearance.

Douglas Heye

A Republican operative and communications specialist who criticized the GOP's body-shaming post as "reveling in unprofessionalism."

Gregg Nunziata

A former Marco Rubio staffer who expressed dismay at the "disgraceful, juvenile garbage" from the Republican Party, along with 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)

The takeaway

The GOP's body-shaming tactics against Governor Pritzker have sparked internal criticism, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party as some members distance themselves from the party's more divisive approaches. The incident also reflects the broader debate around the use of personal attacks in political discourse and the need for more civility and respect in the public sphere.