Rod Blagojevich’s name is making headlines again, and this time, it’s not just about his past legal troubles.
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly set to issue a full pardon to the former Illinois governor, who previously had his sentence commuted by Trump back in 2020.
This potential move raises eyebrows, considering Blagojevich’s controversial history and his transformation into a staunch Trump supporter.
From Prison to Presidential Favor
Blagojevich was convicted on corruption charges after being accused of trying to sell Barack Obama’s Senate seat following the 2008 presidential election.
Originally sentenced to 14 years in prison, he served eight before Trump intervened in February 2020, reducing his sentence.
At the time, Trump, who was campaigning for re-election, noted, “He served eight years in jail, a long time. He seems like a very nice person, don’t know him.”
Interestingly, the two had crossed paths a decade earlier in 2010 when Blagojevich briefly appeared as a contestant on Season 3 of Celebrity Apprentice.
Now, four years later, Trump seems poised to extend his generosity even further by issuing a complete pardon.
A New Role on the Horizon?
Rumors have been swirling that Blagojevich could be Trump’s choice for the next U.S. ambassador to Serbia, a country with personal significance to him—his father was Serbian.
During the 2024 election season, he actively campaigned for Trump among Serbian-American communities, further aligning himself with the former president’s political circle.
Despite his Democratic roots, Blagojevich fully embraced the Republican Party, even attending the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
His recent political pivot has placed him in the spotlight for a potential diplomatic role, but whether he’ll actually secure the position remains uncertain.
A Controversial Nomination
While Blagojevich may have Trump’s backing, securing a U.S. ambassadorship isn’t as simple as a presidential appointment.
The U.S. Senate would need to confirm his nomination, and given his criminal past, that might not be an easy sell.
Appointing someone previously convicted of political corruption to represent the U.S. in a country with its own corruption issues could spark resistance within the Senate.
What Comes Next?
For now, all eyes are on Trump’s next move. Will he officially issue the full pardon?
And if he does, will Blagojevich land the ambassadorship?
With the 2024 political landscape shifting rapidly, this story is far from over.
Expect more developments as the decision unfolds.