White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller described Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker as “economically illiterate, historically illiterate, and probably functionally illiterate” during a Fox News appearance late last week.
Miller made the comment on “The Ingraham Angle” in response to Pritzker’s demand that the federal government refund Illinois households for costs associated with tariffs the Supreme Court ruled unlawful earlier that day.
The Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision in consolidated cases, including Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, holding that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the president to impose tariffs, according to the court’s opinion released February 20. The ruling invalidated tariffs President Donald Trump had levied on imports from various countries, including broad “reciprocal” tariffs and those tied to drug trafficking and trade deficits.
Trump held a press conference following the decision, stating that the ruling was narrow and that the administration would pursue tariffs through other statutory authorities.
Pritzker, a Democrat, issued a letter to the White House on February 20 demanding refunds of approximately $1,700 per Illinois household, for a total of $8,679,261,600. The figure was based on estimates of average household costs from the tariffs, according to Pritzker’s office and reports from outlets including Axios and CBS Chicago. Pritzker described the tariffs as an illegal tax on families and urged direct rebates.
Cut the check, @realDonaldTrump. pic.twitter.com/NjVJ0tABme
— JB Pritzker (@JBPritzker) February 20, 2026
During the Fox News segment, host Laura Ingraham raised Pritzker’s demand. Miller responded by criticizing the governor and defending the administration’s tariff policy.
Miller said: “Well, Governor Pritzker is not only economically illiterate, historically illiterate, and probably functionally illiterate, but he is also somebody whose every action and policy is designed to hurt and betray America.”
He added that President Trump was elected in part to reshore manufacturing and supply chains, and that the tariffs had produced record job growth, wage growth, and reshoring of manufacturing jobs. Miller contrasted this with inflation under the prior administration, which he said cost families thousands of dollars annually.
BREAKING: Stephen Miller just CALLED OUT Illinois Governor @JBPritzker:
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) February 21, 2026
"Pritzker is not only economically illiterate, historically illiterate, and probably functionally illiterate, but he is also somebody whose every action and policy is designed to hurt and betray America."… pic.twitter.com/iahcmmNLsm
The tariff policy stemmed from executive actions in 2025, when Trump invoked IEEPA to address perceived national emergencies related to trade imbalances and drug inflows from countries including Canada, Mexico, and China. The tariffs raised revenue estimated in the hundreds of billions, with costs passed to U.S. importers and ultimately consumers, according to analyses from groups including the Penn Wharton Budget Model and the Tax Foundation.
The Supreme Court’s decision does not automatically require refunds, as tariffs are paid by importers. Legal experts have noted that refund processes would likely involve claims by businesses, with uncertain pass-through to households.
Pritzker’s demand aligned with similar calls from other Democratic governors following the ruling. The episode underscores ongoing partisan differences over trade policy, with administration officials arguing tariffs protect American industries and critics contending they function as a tax on consumers.
