Staff Reports
Rod Blagojevich, the former Illinois governor best known for his audacious attempt to sell Barack Obama’s old Senate seat, is back in the headlines. This time, rumors swirl that President Trump may pardon the notorious Democrat of his past crimes. Blagojevich, whose tenacity in corruption knows no bounds, served as governor from 2003 until his impeachment and removal in 2009, thanks to a slew of corruption charges that made even Chicago politics seem mild. Essentially, he was caught trying to auction off the Senate seat that opened up when Obama sashayed into the White House. For a guy who fancied himself a kingmaker, it seems he was more of a jester in the end.
In 2011, Blagojevich received a 14-year prison sentence for his antics, but Trump made a bold move in 2020 by commuting that sentence. It seems that this isn’t just a whimsical nod to a fellow political player; the two men have a history, dating back to when Blagojevich strutted his stuff on Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice.” That’s right—while some governors were busy tackling real issues, Blago was competing for the spotlight alongside washed-up celebrities. Apparently, he earned enough favor to gain access to Trump’s inner circle, turning him into a vocal supporter amid Trump’s own legal troubles during the 2024 campaign.
In his attempts to curry favor with the Republican Party, Blagojevich has made it abundantly clear that he feels a kinship with Trump. After the former President’s recent legal setbacks, he took to social media to proclaim his unwavering loyalty. His love for Trump allegedly blossomed after being on the receiving end of a legal system that seemed more interested in political vendettas than justice. He seems to believe that those who have faced the music personally can best recognize when the political machinery is rigged against someone else.
President Trump is expected to pardon Rod Blagojevich, the former Illinois governor who attempted to sell the Senate seat of former President Barack Obama after he won the presidency in 2008. https://t.co/0it2cgRk5q
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 10, 2025
In a delightful twist, Blagojevich hasn’t shied away from simply blaming his former party for his woes. He has taken the liberty of labeling Barack Obama himself as an existential threat to democracy. This sentiment echoes through his recent op-ed where he explicitly pointed out who he believes is truly to blame for the current state of political affairs in America. This audacious declaration fits snugly into the narrative that blames everything from escalating inflation to divided families on the prior President—yes, even decades after he left office.
Despite all the chatter around his relationship with Trump, Blagojevich claims he isn’t angling for anything like an ambassadorship or other job offers; he’s merely looking for justice. He’s made a heartfelt appeal for the truth behind what he describes as a corrupt prosecution against him. While this may seem like a political fairy tale, it’s worth noting that any criticism he aims at Democrats and the establishment could very well resonate with a base increasingly fed up with political theatrics. Thus, if Trump does decide to grant Blagojevich a pardon, it might just be the cherry on top of a political sundae that many have been waiting for—a delightfully chaotic addition to the Trump legacy.
