When Illinois Governor JB Pritzker appeared on ABC’s ‘The View’ on Friday, he likely expected to discuss politics, policy, and the 2024 election cycle. Instead, he found himself in a lighthearted but blunt exchange about his billionaire status, thanks to host Joy Behar.

The irony? Just before his segment, the show’s hosts were discussing how it’s inappropriate to judge someone solely by their wealth. But that didn’t stop Behar from making sure Pritzker confirmed his billionaire label—not just once, but twice.

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Joy Behar’s Blunt Question: “You Are a Billionaire, Are You Not?”

The conversation started with Behar playfully acknowledging her recent criticism of billionaires, before pivoting to Pritzker with a grin.

“I was trashing billionaires, but you’re one of them, and I like you,” she said. “They’re not all the way that I presented them. You are a billionaire, are you not?”

The question caught Pritzker off guard, as well as the other co-hosts, who burst into laughter. Sara Haines and Alyssa Farah Griffin were quick to remind Behar of the irony of her question, with Griffin exclaiming:

“We don’t talk about money!”

Haines jokingly added, “Should we all talk about what we make?”

Pritzker, clearly amused, played along, recalling how this wasn’t the first time his wealth had been awkwardly highlighted in public. He shared a humorous moment from the Democratic National Convention, where Senator Bernie Sanders had just finished bashing billionaires before Pritzker was introduced on stage.

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“They’re like, ‘And here’s JB Pritzker!’” he laughed.

Still, Pritzker took it all in stride, confirming that yes, he is indeed a billionaire. But he also took a subtle jab at Donald Trump, saying,

“And then I talked about how Donald Trump isn’t a real billionaire.”

To which Behar doubled down, quipping, “He’s not. But you are.” Once again, the table erupted in laughter at her unapologetic bluntness.

Who is JB Pritzker? A Billionaire Governor With a Political Legacy

For those unfamiliar with JB Pritzker, he’s not just Illinois’ 43rd governor—he’s also a successful businessman, philanthropist, and a key Democratic figure.

Born January 19, 1965, Jay Robert “JB” Pritzker is now 60 years old in 2025. He is part of the Pritzker family, one of the wealthiest families in America, best known for founding the Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

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Pritzker’s Net Worth in 2025

As of 2025, JB Pritzker’s net worth is estimated to be around $3.6 billion. His wealth comes from his investments, family business ventures, and private equity firm, Pritzker Group. Despite being a billionaire, Pritzker has often positioned himself as a pro-worker, pro-union leader focused on economic growth and progressive policies.

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Outside of politics, Pritzker is a dedicated family man. He is married to Mary Kathryn “M.K.” Pritzker, and together they have two children, Teddi and Donny.

Despite his billionaire status, Pritzker and his wife have worked extensively in philanthropy, donating millions to early childhood education, healthcare initiatives, and women’s empowerment programs. Their commitment to giving back to the community has often been highlighted in contrast to the stereotype of billionaire politicians being disconnected from everyday Americans.

Why Pritzker’s Wealth is a Talking Point

Unlike many politicians who avoid discussing their wealth, Pritzker doesn’t shy away from the topic. His billionaire status has been both a strength and a point of criticism throughout his political career.

• Supporters argue that his financial independence means he isn’t beholden to special interests.
• Critics claim that being a billionaire makes it hard for him to truly understand the struggles of middle- and lower-class Americans.

However, Pritzker has leaned into his working-class policies, pushing for higher minimum wages, affordable healthcare, and education reforms. He has actively funded his own political campaigns, ensuring that his policies aren’t influenced by major corporate donors.

The Trump Comparison: A Tale of Two Billionaires?

Pritzker’s jab at Trump’s billionaire status wasn’t just a passing comment—it was a reference to longstanding speculation about Trump’s actual wealth. While Trump has claimed to be worth billions, financial investigations have suggested his net worth is significantly lower than he claims.

Unlike Trump, whose financial dealings have often been questioned, Pritzker’s billionaire status is well-documented. His wealth has been managed through transparent investments and business ventures, making him one of the few billionaire politicians whose fortune isn’t a mystery.

Pritzker’s Political Future: Could He Run for President?

With Trump back in the White House, many Democrats are looking toward 2028 for new leadership. Could JB Pritzker be a contender?

• He has governed Illinois successfully, focusing on progressive policies that resonate with the Democratic base.
• He has the financial resources to fund a national campaign without relying heavily on outside donors.
• His public persona as a pragmatic and relatable leader (despite his billionaire status) could make him an appealing candidate.

While Pritzker hasn’t confirmed any plans for a presidential run, his growing national presence on platforms like ‘The View’ suggests that he is keeping his options open.

A Billionaire Who’s Comfortable With the Label

Unlike many politicians who dance around discussions of their wealth, JB Pritzker owns it—and moments like his exchange with Joy Behar prove it. Whether you agree with his politics or not, his ability to laugh at himself, embrace his identity, and still push forward progressive policies makes him one of the most unique figures in American politics today.

With 2025 just beginning, all eyes are on Pritzker’s next move—will he stay focused on governing Illinois, or is he positioning himself for something even bigger? Whatever happens, one thing is for sure: he’ll always be one billionaire who’s not afraid to say it out loud.