President Donald Trump pardoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Monday, calling him a “very fine person” who was set up by bad people. Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 on corruption charges, including trying to sell a Senate seat and extortion. Trump commuted his 14-year sentence in 2020. Blagojevich expressed gratitude and thanked Trump for his support.
Trump’s decision to pardon Blagojevich has drawn criticism, with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker accusing Trump of abusing his pardon power. Blagojevich’s law license was revoked by the state Supreme Court, and the impeachment by the state Senate in 2009 bars him from holding state office. It is unclear whether the pardon would allow him to seek federal office.
Trump has granted clemency to over 1,500 people, all charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot. He has shown sympathy for Blagojevich in the past, including praising him on “Celebrity Apprentice.” Despite claiming not to know him well, Trump has made comments about potentially appointing Blagojevich as ambassador to Serbia.
Blagojevich’s corruption trial and his appearance on Trump’s reality show have drawn parallels between their situations. While some critics believe the pardon sends the wrong message, Blagojevich’s remaining convictions are still intact. The pardon does not reverse the state Supreme Court’s decision to revoke his law license, and it is uncertain whether he can seek federal office in the future.
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