Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, recently issued an executive order barring individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot from being hired by the state of Illinois. This move follows former President Donald Trump’s controversial pardons for many of those involved in the chaos at the Capitol, when a group of Trump supporters stormed the building in an effort to overturn the 2020 election results.
Trump’s decision to pardon individuals, including those convicted of violent crimes and assaulting law enforcement officers, sparked widespread criticism. Polls have shown that the pardons are deeply unpopular with the American public, leading many Democrats to take action to ensure that there are lasting consequences for those involved in the violent insurrection. Pritzker’s executive order represents one such effort, reflecting his stance that those who participated in the Capitol riot should not be allowed to hold positions in Illinois state government.
In his order, Pritzker argued that the Illinois workforce should embody values like honesty, integrity, and loyalty to the people of the state. He declared that “no one who attempts to overthrow a government should serve in government,” framing the actions of those who took part in the January 6 riot as “infamous and disgraceful conduct” that is entirely incompatible with public service. The order also directs that any involvement in the riot be considered a disqualifying factor for state employment.
Though it remains unclear whether anyone involved in the Capitol riot has applied for a state job, Pritzker’s order is largely seen as a preemptive strike against any future attempts by convicted rioters to work for the state.
While Pritzker has been a vocal critic of Trump, especially since the former president’s return to office in 2025, his decision also highlights the broader ideological divide between Republicans and Democrats in the post-January 6 era. Republicans, including those on social media, have voiced concerns about the legality of Pritzker’s order, with some suggesting it could lead to lawsuits at taxpayer expense.
In the wake of Trump’s pardons, many Republican lawmakers remain steadfast in their belief that the riot was a tragic episode in American history, but they continue to criticize the political ramifications of the pardons and what they see as an unfair portrayal of the individuals involved. As tensions rise over these issues, Pritzker’s decision underscores how contentious the fallout from January 6 continues to be, and how both sides of the political spectrum are using their influence to shape the narrative around the events of that day. Whether or not Pritzker’s executive order is challenged in court remains to be seen. However, the message is clear: Illinois will not tolerate those who sought to undermine the democratic process in positions of power.