WASHINGTON (WLS) — President Donald Trump’s recent decision to pardon former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has sparked significant reactions across various platforms.

Blagojevich was previously imprisoned due to corruption charges, including an infamous plot to sell a vacant Senate seat.

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On Tuesday morning, Gov. JB Pritzker addressed an unrelated matter but chose not to comment on the pardon.

At 68, Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 on several corruption charges, notably for attempting to sell then-President Barack Obama’s Senate seat in exchange for political advantages.

Lauren Kaeseberg, Blagojevich’s former attorney, expressed her joy for him and his family, stating, “While he has been released, living with a conviction is a burden. A pardon truly brings a sense of relief.”

During his initial term, President Trump commuted Blagojevich’s lengthy 14-year sentence after he had served only eight years.

By signing a full and unconditional pardon on Monday evening, Trump has fully cleared the former governor’s criminal record.

Blagojevich remarked during a late-night press conference outside his Ravenswood Manor residence, “President Trump understands what it’s like to go through this. There is a connection formed from experiencing such injustices.”

Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who participated in initiating Blagojevich’s impeachment committee, deemed him unworthy of a pardon.

“Illinois will always recall Gov. Blagojevich for his crimes against its citizens and reputation. This will forever be a blemish that cannot be erased,” Mendoza asserted.

Senator Dick Durbin shared on X, “In a state plagued by public corruption, the Blagojevich saga stands out as one of the most egregious. America and its citizens deserve better.”

Identifying himself as a Trump supporter, Blagojevich was active at events promoting Trump, including a gathering for Serbian supporters at the Republican National Convention. He also appeared on Trump’s reality show, “Celebrity Apprentice.”

Back in 2010, Trump displayed understanding for Blagojevich’s predicament when he praised him during the show, stating, “You have remarkable courage.”

“I still consider myself a Democrat but one who supports Trump,” Blagojevich noted at the time.

Patti Blagojevich devoted nearly two years to publicly advocate for her husband’s release, often appearing on Fox News, a channel frequently viewed by Trump. She drew comparisons between their situations and consistently praised the former president.

Trump explained to reporters, “Both cases involved a similar group of prosecutors—Comey and Fitzpatrick.” He referred to Patrick Fitzgerald, the former U.S. attorney who prosecuted Blagojevich and later represented former FBI Director James Comey, whom Trump dismissed in May 2017. Comey was a private citizen during the Blagojevich investigation.

Rob Mueller, the former special counsel overseeing the inquiry into Trump’s 2016 campaign connections, served as FBI director during Blagojevich’s investigation.

Jim Durkin, a former Republican leader in the Illinois House, expressed disappointment but not surprise regarding the pardon.

“This administration’s response to cases like January 6th defendants and Blagojevich undermines the rule of law. I was involved in his impeachment and know the schemes he executed against Illinois residents. Rewarding him is a disgrace,” Durkin remarked.

Blagojevich is reportedly being considered for the role of U.S. Ambassador to Serbia, following a recent visit.

However, his past impeachment in 2009, while serving as governor, continues to restrict his political ambitions.

“If he aims to run for office in Illinois, he still cannot, due to restrictions from his impeachment. A pardon does not lift this ban,” explained ABC7 Chicago legal analyst Gil Soffer. “He doesn’t need a federal pardon to be eligible for the ambassadorship, and other factors may facilitate his Senate confirmation.”

Despite state-level restrictions, Blagojevich can pursue federal office.

During his Monday night press conference, Blagojevich refrained from commenting on the ambassadorship, emphasizing that he has not considered seeking public office again.

Throughout Trump’s current term, he has granted clemency to over 1,500 individuals associated with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. This clemency initiative, announced on his first day back in office, enabled the release of individuals convicted of violently attacking police and leaders of far-right groups trying to maintain Trump in power after his 2020 electoral defeat.

The commutation of Blagojevich’s sentence received bipartisan disapproval in Illinois, with Democratic Governor JB Pritzker claiming that Trump is misusing his pardoning authority to benefit his allies and endorse corruption, which sends an inappropriate message at this time.

A former senior official from the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office, choosing to remain anonymous, expressed to the I-Team, “It’s morally irresponsible to believe a deeply corrupt politician like Blagojevich deserves presidential forgiveness. His unique misconduct included attempting to extort a children’s hospital. Allowing a convicted criminal to move on is one thing, but erasing the societal condemnation of his abhorrent behavior is another.”

Jim Matsumoto, foreman of the jury in Blagojevich’s initial trial, which ended in a hung jury, asserted that Blagojevich broke the law.

“He was found guilty the first time, and the subsequent trial confirmed that. Regardless of the pardon, he remains guilty in my view,” Matsumoto stated.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.