U.S. President Donald Trump has granted a full and unconditional pardon to former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, calling his conviction a “terrible injustice.”
President Donald Trump on Monday pardoned former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, overturning his corruption conviction for attempting to sell former President Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat.
Blagojevich, a Democrat and former contestant on Trump’s reality show, "Celebrity Apprentice", was removed from office in 2009 and sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2011. Prosecutors said he had sought personal benefits in exchange for filling Obama’s Senate seat after the 2008 presidential election.
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said Blagojevich had been unfairly targeted.
"He was set up by a lot of bad people, some of the same people that I had to deal with," Trump said, adding that Blagojevich’s wife had “fought like hell” for his release.
Trump previously commuted Blagojevich’s sentence in 2020, allowing him to leave prison six years early. The Supreme Court had rejected Blagojevich’s appeal in 2018, and his sentence was originally set to run until 2026.
During the signing, a reporter asked whether Trump was considering Blagojevich for an ambassadorial role in Serbia, to which Trump responded: "No, but I would say he's now cleaner than anybody in this room. He got a pardon. He's cleaner than anybody in the room."
Blagojevich has consistently denied wrongdoing, portraying himself as a victim of a politically motivated prosecution. His case echoes Trump's own criticisms of federal law enforcement, making the pardon another example of Trump’s stance against what he calls unfair prosecutions.
The move has sparked both praise and criticism, with supporters arguing Blagojevich’s sentence was excessive, while critics say his corruption charges warranted full punishment.
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President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
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President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Italians gather to honour all who resisted fascism — including the forgotten Azerbaijani soldiers of Monte di Nese, each year. Their names may be lost, but their struggle for freedom is etched into the memory of this land.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Italians gather to honour all who resisted fascism — including the forgotten Azerbaijani soldiers of Monte di Nese, each year. Their names may be lost, but their struggle for freedom is etched into the memory of this land.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
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