President Donald Trump has pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted of political corruption charges. Blagojevich, a Democrat, was initially sentenced to 14 years in prison for attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by former President Barack Obama, among other charges. He served eight years before Trump commuted his sentence in 2020.

Trump announced the pardon on Monday (February 10) at the White House, describing Blagojevich as "a very fine person" and stating that the conviction "shouldn't have happened." Trump also suggested that Blagojevich was "set up by a lot of bad people," including some involved in investigations against Trump himself.

Blagojevich expressed his gratitude to Trump, saying, "I'll always be profoundly grateful to President Trump for everything he's done for me and my family." He also referred to himself as a "Trump-ocrat" after his release.

Blagojevich's conviction included charges of trying to shake down a children's hospital and racetrack owners. His impeachment and removal from office occurred in 2009, and he was indicted later that year. Despite the pardon, Blagojevich remains barred from holding state office due to his impeachment.

The pardon has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans in Illinois. Critics argue that it undermines the seriousness of corruption charges. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker previously criticized Trump's decision to commute Blagojevich's sentence, calling it an abuse of pardon power.

Steve Forni