President Donald Trump expected to pardon ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich 5 years after commuting his sentence: reports

President Donald Trump is set to pardon former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Monday, according to a source familiar with the situation who requested anonymity.

Trump had previously commuted Blagojevich’s 14-year prison sentence for charges related to political corruption during his first term. The formal pardon is expected to be signed by Trump later on Monday.

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Blagojevich, a member of the Democratic Party who was a contestant on Trump’s reality TV show, “Celebrity Apprentice,” was found guilty in 2011 and was serving his 14-year sentence before Trump intervened, reducing his time behind bars to eight years.

Axios first reported the news of the pardon Monday afternoon.

ABC7 is working to confirm reports that former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich could be taking a role in the Trump administration.

Politico reports President Donald Trump is considering making Blagojevich the U.S. ambassador to Serbia.

Blagojevich met with the Serbian president just this week.

In a post on social media, Blagojevich wrote, “I’m not asking President Trump for anything.”

ABC7 Chicago contributed to this report.

This is a developing story; check back with ABC7 Chicago for updates.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

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