Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich’s pardon by President Donald Trump marks a dramatic turn in a long-running political saga, opening a new chapter in the controversial figure’s life and career.
Top Takeaways
- Rod Blagojevich was pardoned by President Trump five years after Trump commuted his prison sentence.
- Blagojevich maintains his innocence, calling the charges politically motivated.
- Trump described Blagojevich as “a very fine person” who was “set up by bad people.”
- The pardon has been met with bipartisan criticism, including from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.
- Despite the pardon, Blagojevich remains disbarred and banned from holding state office in Illinois.
Trump’s Pardon: A New Beginning for Blagojevich
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been given a new lease on life, thanks to a pardon from President Donald Trump. After serving nearly eight years of a 14-year sentence for corruption charges, Blagojevich walked free in February 2020 after Trump commuted his sentence. The charges against him included attempting to sell or trade Barack Obama’s former Senate seat, a claim Blagojevich vehemently denies.
Blagojevich’s Gratitude and Claims of Innocence
Since his release, Blagojevich has been vocal about his appreciation for President Trump and his insistence on his own innocence. He has repeatedly claimed that the charges against him were baseless and politically motivated.
“I just wanna say again how profoundly grateful my family and I are for what President Trump did for us. I have unbelievably warm affection for him. He’s been nothing but kind to me,” said Blagojevich.
Trump’s Perspective on the Blagojevich Case
President Trump has been outspoken in his support for Blagojevich, describing him as “a very fine person” who was unfairly treated by the justice system. Trump has drawn parallels between Blagojevich’s case and his own experiences with federal investigations.
This comparison has fueled speculation about the motivations behind the pardon, with some seeing it as a critique of the federal justice system and others viewing it as a politically motivated move.
Trump pardons ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich 5 years after commuting his sentence https://t.co/A2fjBtmRwX
— Live5News (@Live5News) February 11, 2025
Reactions and Implications
The pardon has not been without controversy. It has received bipartisan criticism, including from Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. Many argue that the pardon undermines efforts to combat political corruption.
Despite the pardon, Blagojevich faces ongoing challenges. He remains disbarred and is barred from holding state office in Illinois due to his impeachment. However, he could potentially run for federal office. Blagojevich currently receives a $15,000 annual pension from his congressional service but is barred from a larger state pension due to his conviction.
Looking Forward
As speculation continues about Blagojevich’s pardon, questions remain about his future in public life. While he has aligned himself with Trump, calling himself a “Trumpocrat,” his political prospects remain uncertain. The pardon has undoubtedly opened new doors for Blagojevich, but the full impact of this dramatic turn in his story is yet to be seen.
