Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has formally demanded billions of dollars in tariff refunds from President Donald Trump, sending the White House an invoice after the Supreme Court struck down the administration’s tariffs.
Newsweek contacted the White House via email for a response to Pritzker’s demand in the early hours of Saturday morning ET.
MUST READ: Is Trump’s Tariff Era Over? Analysis
Why It Matters
The refund push by Pritzker, a Democrat, followed a 6-3 Supreme Court decision finding Trump exceeded his authority by invoking emergency powers to impose tariffs that raised prices domestically, opening the door to refund claims.
Illinois is now testing how far states can push that ruling in practice.
What To Know
JB Pritzker has sent Trump a sharply worded letter and an accompanying invoice demanding compensation for what the state says were illegally imposed tariff taxes.
Posting a photo of both the letter and invoice on social media, the Illinois leader simply wrote: “Cut the check, @realDonaldTrump.”
In his letter, Pritzker argues that the tariffs drove up prices and harmed Illinois families, writing that the state is owed restitution following the Supreme Court’s decision striking down the policy.
He frames the demand as a direct response to that ruling, warning that Illinois is prepared to escalate the matter if the federal government does not comply.
The attached invoice, which seeks $1,700 per family, multiplied by 5,105,448 Illinois households, yields a total demand of $8,679,261,600.
It covers a period from February 2025 through January 2026 and is labeled “past due – delinquent.”
The document describes the charge as reimbursement for tariff taxes paid by Illinois families, arguing that the costs were felt at everyday points of purchase, including grocery and hardware stores.
Payment is directed not to the state government but, symbolically, to “the working families of Illinois.”
The move comes after the Supreme Court ruled that Trump’s tariff program exceeded presidential authority.
This decision has fueled debate over whether consumers or states could be entitled to refunds.
While the ruling did not automatically trigger payments, it created a legal and political opening that Illinois is now seeking to exploit.
Trump has publicly criticized the Supreme Court decision, while Democratic leaders have framed it as a consumer win, setting the stage for a broader political fight over accountability and restitution.
What People Are Saying
Governor Pritzker said in his letter to Trump: “Your tariff taxes wreaked havoc on farmers, enraged our allies, and sent grocery prices through the roof. This morning, your hand‑picked Supreme Court Justices notified you that they are also unconstitutional.
“On behalf of the people of Illinois, I demand a refund of $1,700 for every family in Illinois. There are 5,105,448 households in my state, bringing the total damages you owe to $8,679,261,600.
“The Supreme Court has ruled that this is yet one more unconstitutional act by you and your administration.
“This letter and the attached invoice stand as an official notice that compensation is owed to the people of Illinois, and if you do not comply we will pursue further action.”
Gavin Newsom, Democratic Governor of California, said: “Every dollar unlawfully taken must be refunded immediately—with interest. Cough up!”
Kathy Hochul, Democratic Governor of New York, said: “An unlawful backdoor tax on hardworking families, farmers and small businesses, raising prices on everything from groceries to building materials.”
Trump said: “The Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs is deeply disappointing, and I’m ashamed of certain members of the court absolutely ashamed.”
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called the ruling “a victory for the wallets of every American consumer.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the Supreme Court decision was “a big victory for the American people,” adding that it marked “another crushing defeat for the wannabe King.”
Democratic commentator Harry Sisson wrote on X: “Love this! Governor JB Pritzker is now demanding a refund from Donald Trump for the people of Illinois after his tariffs were struck down. Pritzker sent him an invoice!”
MAGA influencer Gunther Eagleman wrote in a reply to Pritzker: “You’re a f***ing idiot.”
What Happens Next
The demand raises fresh questions about whether other states could follow Illinois’ lead and whether the tariff ruling will translate into real‑world refunds—or remain a symbolic political flashpoint.
