President Donald Trump granted a full pardon to ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted of corruption, including attempting to sell Barack Obama’s vacated U.S. Senate seat.
Blagojevich, governor from 2003 to 2009, was accused of turning Illinois’ government into a personal moneymaking operation. FBI wiretaps caught him saying, “I’ve got this thing, and it’s [expletive] golden.” He argued he was engaged in political dealmaking.
Impeached and removed in 2009, Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 and sentenced to 14 years. After serving eight years, Trump commuted his sentence. Critics, including Illinois Republicans and Democrats, condemned the move, arguing corrupt politicians should serve full sentences.
Upon release, Blagojevich thanked Trump, calling himself a “Trump-ocrat.” Trump defended the pardon, calling Blagojevich’s sentence a “terrible injustice.”
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