Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted on corruption charges during his time in office, has been pardoned by President Donald Trump. The pardon was signed in the Oval Office, with Trump stating that it was time to allow Blagojevich to have a 'normal life.' Trump described Blagojevich as a 'very fine person' and criticized the handling of the case, calling it a 'terrible injustice.'
Blagojevich, a Democrat who served as governor from 2003 to 2009, was removed from office and later convicted on charges that included attempting to sell an appointment to fill the Senate seat left vacant by then-President Barack Obama. Despite a hung jury in his first trial, Blagojevich was ultimately convicted on 17 of 20 corruption counts in 2011.
After serving eight years of a 14-year prison sentence, Trump commuted Blagojevich's sentence in early 2020. This decision faced opposition from some conservative members of Congress and White House advisers who raised concerns about undermining Trump's pledge to 'drain the swamp.'
Blagojevich's relationship with Trump evolved over time, with the former governor becoming a vocal supporter of the president. Blagojevich even referred to himself as a 'Trumpocrat,' a Democrat who backs Trump. Their connection dates back to Blagojevich's appearance on Trump's TV show 'The Celebrity Apprentice' in 2010.
The pardon of Blagojevich marks another controversial move by Trump, who has wielded his presidential pardon power in various high-profile cases. The decision has sparked debate and divided opinions among politicians and the public.
