Trump Pardons Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

Trump commuted Blagojevich’s 14-year prison sentence in 2020.

President Donald Trump pardoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Feb. 10.

Blagojevich, a Democrat, served eight years of a 14-year prison sentence before Trump commuted his sentence in 2020.

“It’s my honor to do it. I’ve watched him, he was set up by a lot of bad people,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

Trump said at the time that Blagojevich had served enough of a sentence, which was the result of a conviction for trying to sell the Senate seat of former President Barack Obama when the latter was elected president in 2008.

Blagojevich, a former U.S. House member, was also convicted of attempting to get kickbacks from a children’s hospital and the Illinois horse racing industry, in addition to lying to the FBI.

Blagojevich was convicted in 2010 and 2011 on 18 felony corruption-related charges.

“He served eight years in jail, a long time,” Trump said in 2020. “He seems like a very nice person.”In a statement at the time, the White House said that “during his confinement, Mr. Blagojevich has demonstrated exemplary character, devoting himself to improving the lives of his fellow prisoners.”

“He tutors and teaches GED (general educational development) classes, mentors prisoners regarding personal and professional development, and speaks to them about their civic duties,” said the administration.

In 2019, Trump said his administration was reviewing Blagojevich’s case.

“Rod Blagojevich, the former Governor of Illinois, was sentenced to 14 years in prison. He has served 7 years. Many people have asked that I study the possibility of commuting his sentence in that it was a very severe one. White House staff is continuing the review of this matter,” he posted on social media platform X, then Twitter.

During Blagojevich’s sentencing in 2011, the judge and U.S. attorney said that Blagojevich had let down the people of Illinois.

“When it is the governor who goes bad, the fabric of Illinois is torn, disfigured and not easily repaired,” said then-U.S. District Judge James Zagel. “The harm here is not measured in the value of money or property … the harm is the erosion of public trust in government.”

By Jackson Richman

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Five Reasons Why The Latest Czech Elections Were So Important

Populist-nationalist politician Andrej Babis is poised to return to the premiership after his party's victory. Here are 5 reasons why this is so important.

Bad Bunny is the NFL’s Latest Insult

After years of advocating social justice causes, the NFL chose left wing, gender fluid rapper Bad Bunny to headline the next Super Bowl. Does the NFL want conservatives fans?

Scheduling collides with legacy

The ACC’s footprint now sprawls from Boston and Miami to Salt Lake City and the San Francisco Bay, defying both geography and its own name.

The Paradoxical Patriot: The political odyssey of Frank S. Meyer

In his book, Daniel J. Flynn examines the ideological evolution of one of conservatism’s most paradoxical and overlooked architects, Frank S. Meyer. 

This Is America: Target™ Reparations

“This Is America” explores the cultural undercurrents pulling Western...

Judge Upholds Nassau County Ban on Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports

A New York judge on Oct. 6 upheld a Long Island county law banning male athletes from participating in women’s sports at county-run facilities.

Takeaways From Pam Bondi’s Testimony Before Senate Panel

AG Pam Bondi testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee, defending some of the Justice Department’s moves while sparring with Democratic senators.

FBI Surveilled 8 GOP Members of Congress, Document Shows

The FBI surveilled Republican senators as part of its Arctic Frost investigation, a newly disclosed document shows.

Acting CDC Director Calls on Manufacturers to Break MMR Vaccine Into Separate Shots

A commonly used combination vaccine against measles should be replaced with separate shots, the acting director of the CDC said on Oct. 6.

Trump Says He May Invoke Insurrection Act in Portland If Necessary

President Donald Trump on Oct. 6 said he may consider invoking the Insurrection Act in Portland, Oregon, if necessary.

Trump: All Medium, Heavy Duty Trucks Entering US Will See 25 Percent Tariff on Nov. 1

President Trump announced on Monday that all medium and heavy-duty trucks entering the United States will see a 25 percent tariff starting on Nov. 1.

Treasury Names Social Security Commissioner as CEO of IRS

Treasury Sec. Scott Bessent announced that Frank Bisignano, the head of the Social Security Administration (SSA), will also serve as CEO of the IRS.

Agencies Terminated, Descoped 94 Wasteful Contracts With $8.5 Billion Ceiling Value, Says DOGE

Various federal government agencies have terminated and descoped 94 wasteful contracts over the past five days, DOGE said in an Oct. 4 post on X.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central