Blagojevich released from prison after Trump commutes sentence

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) was released from prison Tuesday evening following President Trump’s commutation of his sentence on corruption charges.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed the former governor’s release in a statement, according to NBC5 Chicago.

Trump announced earlier Tuesday that he would commute Blagojevich’s sentence following a sustained campaign by Blagojevich’s wife, Patti, who frequently appeared on Fox News to appeal directly to the president.

Patti Blagojevich announced on Twitter a “homecoming” press conference at the family home set for Wednesday morning.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Rod Blagojevich Homecoming Press Conferece: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020 at the Blagojevich Family Residence. 11:00 am (CST).

— Patti Blagojevich (@pblagojevich) February 19, 2020

“Yes, we commuted the sentence of Rod Blagojevich,” Trump said earlier in the day, calling Blagojevich’s 14-year sentence “ridiculous.” “He served eight years in jail, a long time. He seems like a very nice person — don’t know him.”

Trump commuted Blagojevich’s sentence along with issuing several pardons, including for financier and so-called “junk bond king” Michael Milken and former New York Police Department Commissioner Bernard Kerik, who served three years for tax fraud and making false statements.