Bill O’Reilly and Stephen A. Smith expressed their disapproval of Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday, suggesting that his refusal of federal help for Chicago’s crime issues is a political error that places partisan interests above the safety of the public.

O’Reilly, while on ‘s “CUOMO,” labeled Pritzker as “the worst governor in the country” and accused him of deceiving the public regarding Chicago’s murder statistics.

“He’s worse than Newsom, and it’s hard to believe that you could be worse than Newsom,” O’Reilly stated, referencing California Gov. Gavin Newsom. “Pritzker doesn’t want to tackle the problem. It’s too complicated.”

O’Reilly mentioned statistics indicating that more than 7,000 individuals have been murdered in Chicago over the last ten years, with 80% of the victims being Black Americans. He spoke of communities where residents are unable to leave their homes or testify against gang members due to fear of retaliation.

Stephen A. Smith: Black residents have sought military help for years

Smith supported O’Reilly’s critique while acknowledging concerns about military deployment. 

As “the lone Black man on this segment,” Smith said he didn’t need statistics to know the situation in Chicago has been dire for years.

“I remember watching a Black couple on national television pleading for military assistance. That’s how dire the situation has been in Chicago,” Smith remarked. “Black residents in that city have been dying for years, and the level of ineffectiveness is infuriating.”

The condemnation occurred as President Donald Trump pledged to send federal troops to Chicago after a Labor Day weekend that resulted in eight people killed and 58 injured in shootings. Pritzker has declined to seek federal intervention, saying “Chicago does not want troops on our streets.”

O’Reilly said the White House is preparing a legal argument that drug gangs should be classified as terrorists, which could provide constitutional grounds for federal military intervention despite the Posse Comitatus Act that prohibits military forces from acting as law enforcement.

Smith acknowledged legal concerns about military deployment but argued that political considerations were preventing necessary action. He said Pritzker’s position amounted to refusing help while offering no alternative solutions.

“If you’re a governor and you’re going to take that position … I have no problem with you at all, Bill, calling out the governor of Illinois,” Smith told O’Reilly.

Some Democratic leaders including Maryland Gov. Wes Moore initially rejected assistance before later agreeing to work with the administration.

Smith contrasted Pritzker’s approach with that pivot, saying governors should focus on getting help rather than scoring political points.

“People are of that mindset, thinking along those lines, that it’s all about politics because you don’t want to receive the obvious help that you need,” Smith said. “It’s just inexcusable.”