Former President Donald Trump has granted a full and unconditional pardon to Rod Blagojevich, the former governor of Illinois, who was convicted of political corruption. This decision comes after Trump had already commuted Blagojevich’s 14-year prison sentence in 2020, allowing him to be released after serving eight years.
Trump defended his decision, calling Blagojevich a “very fine person” and claiming that he was unfairly treated. He also stated that the former governor was “set up by a lot of bad people.” Blagojevich, a Democrat, was found guilty in 2011 of attempting to sell the Senate seat left vacant when Barack Obama became president. He was also convicted of trying to pressure a children’s hospital for campaign donations.
Blagojevich had previously appeared on Trump’s reality show, “Celebrity Apprentice,” in 2010. When Trump fired him from the show, he praised him for his determination in fighting his legal case. However, after granting the pardon, Trump made a contradictory statement, saying, “I didn’t know him,” but later admitted that Blagojevich had been on his show “for a little while.”
At the time of the commutation in 2020, Trump was under investigation for ties to Russian interference in the 2016 election. He compared Blagojevich’s prosecution to the investigations against him, suggesting they were both unfairly targeted. Trump blamed former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald and former FBI Director James Comey for Blagojevich’s legal troubles. Comey was not involved in Blagojevich’s case but had been fired by Trump in 2017.
Recently, reports surfaced that Trump was considering appointing Blagojevich as the U.S. ambassador to Serbia. When asked about this, Trump denied it but then added, “No, but I would.” He also claimed that Blagojevich is now “cleaner than anybody in this room.”
Blagojevich’s wife, Patti, had publicly advocated for his release, often appearing on Fox News and praising Trump. Her efforts seemed to have influenced Trump’s decision to grant clemency.
Trump’s move to pardon Blagojevich faced criticism from both Democrats and Republicans in Illinois. Governor J.B. Pritzker stated that Trump was misusing his pardon power and sending the wrong message about corruption.
Although the pardon restores some of Blagojevich’s civil rights, it does not reinstate his law license, which was revoked by the Illinois Supreme Court. Additionally, due to his impeachment in 2009, he remains banned from holding any state office. However, legal experts are unsure if the pardon allows him to seek a federal position.
Blagojevich was originally convicted on 18 counts, though some charges were later dismissed. Despite this, his legal troubles have left a lasting impact on his political future.
