Trump to pardon former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Fox News confirms
President Donald Trump is anticipated to grant a pardon to former Democratic Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, as reported by Fox News. Blagojevich, who previously appeared on “Celebrity Apprentice,” served an eight-year prison sentence for charges related to his attempt to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat following Obama’s 2008 presidential victory. Trump commuted his original 14-year sentence in 2020.
Blagojevich’s conviction occurred in 2011, resulting in a lengthy prison term until Trump intervened. Notably, Blagojevich participated in “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2010 before his corruption trial commenced, receiving praise from Trump when he was “fired” as a contestant.
Furthermore, Trump drew parallels between investigations into his conduct during his initial term as president and Blagojevich’s case. Patrick Fitzgerald, the former U.S. attorney who prosecuted Blagojevich, later represented ex-FBI Director James Comey, who Trump dismissed from the agency in 2017. Comey was in the private sector during the Blagojevich investigation and indictment.
Former special counsel Robert Mueller, who spearheaded the inquiry into the alleged Russian collusion, served as FBI director during the Blagojevich investigation. Blagojevich faced 18 counts, with the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago overturning five convictions in 2015, including instances where he offered to appoint an individual to a lucrative Senate position.
Axios initially broke the news of the forthcoming pardon on Monday afternoon. This story is evolving, and updates will be provided as new information emerges.
Fox News’ Pat Ward and the Associated Press have contributed to this report.
