Trump considering commuting Blagojevich sentence

The former Illinois governor is halfway through his 14-year sentence for corruption-related charges.

President Donald Trump has reportedly indicated that he is strongly considering commuting the sentence of imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

This follows May 30 news that Blagojevich would formally petition Trump for an early release. Trump spoke with reporters on Air Force One, saying he is strongly considering a commutation, calling Blagojevich’s 14-year sentence “excessive” and “really unfair.” Trump also told reporters that what Blagojevich said, while “stupid”, was something “many other politicians say.” While awaiting trial Blagojevich was a contestant on Trump’s reality television show, “Celebrity Apprentice,” as was Martha Stewart, who Trump said he would consider pardoning.

In April, Blagojevich exhausted all judicial appeals after the Supreme Court declined to hear his case.

Blagojevich is now nearly halfway through serving his 14-year sentence after being found guilty of 18 felony charges, including wire fraud, extortion, bribery and conspiracy.