MAGA-Pardoned Illinois Governor Paid to Lobby Trump for Another Pardon

Blagojevich allegedly paid six figures to lobby Trump for a second pardon after his initial controversial release from prison.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic office scene with a lone desk and chair, bathed in warm, golden light streaming through a window, conveying a sense of political intrigue and power dynamics.The controversial pardon of a former governor accused of corruption raises questions about the integrity of the presidential clemency process.Chicago Today

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who was controversially pardoned by former President Donald Trump in 2020, allegedly paid a six-figure sum to lobby Trump for a second pardon, according to a new report from the Chicago Tribune. Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 of trying to sell the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama when he became president.

Why it matters

Blagojevich's initial pardon by Trump was seen as highly unusual, as the former governor was a Democrat and his conviction was for a serious abuse of power. The revelation that Blagojevich may have paid to secure a second pardon raises further questions about the integrity of the presidential pardon process and whether it can be unduly influenced.

The details

According to the Tribune report, Blagojevich paid a six-figure sum to a lobbying firm to advocate for a second pardon from Trump, though the former president ultimately did not grant an additional pardon. Blagojevich was released from prison in 2020 after serving eight years of a 14-year sentence.

  • Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 of trying to sell the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama.
  • Blagojevich was pardoned by President Trump in 2020 and released from prison.
  • Blagojevich allegedly paid a lobbying firm a six-figure sum to advocate for a second pardon from Trump.

The players

Rod Blagojevich

The former Democratic governor of Illinois who was convicted in 2011 of trying to sell the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama and was later controversially pardoned by President Trump in 2020.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who pardoned Blagojevich in 2020, despite Blagojevich's conviction for corruption.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns about the potential for abuse and undue influence in the presidential pardon process, especially when it comes to high-profile political figures convicted of corruption. It raises questions about the integrity of the justice system and the extent to which the pardon power can be leveraged for personal or political gain.