Trump pardons former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who served 8 years in prison
President Donald Trump on Monday pardoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat who served prison time for soliciting campaign funds and other favors in exchange for former President Barack Obama's Senate seat.
Blagojevich has become a vocal Trump supporter. He attended the 2024 Republican National Convention and backed Trump during his New York trial on charges related to paying hush money to an adult film actress to conceal an affair.
Blagojevich entered prison in 2012 after being sentenced to 14 years. He served eight years.
Trump commuted Blagojevich's prison sentence before leaving office in 2020. The former governor, who was impeached and removed from office, appeared on Trump's television show "Celebrity Apprentice."
Trump has been quick to use his pardon power after regaining the presidency. Shortly after taking office, he pardoned nearly every individual convicted on charges related to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of Trump supporters.
Contributing: Reuters
(This story was updated with new information.)