President Donald Trump has commuted the 14-year prison sentence of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. 

The 63-year-old Democrat is expected to walk out of prison later on Tuesday. 

“I did commute his sentence,” Trump said in an interview with ABC News. “So, he will be able to go back home with his family after serving eight years in jail.” 

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In the same interview, Trump called Blagojevich’s sentence ridiculous.

In 2010, Blagojevich was convicted of political corruption, according to the Justice Department the former governor conspired to commit several “pay to play” schemes. 

Current Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Illinois residents have endured far too much corruption; and a message should be sent to politicians that corrupt practices will no longer be tolerated. 

“President Trump has abused his pardon power in inexplicable ways to reward his friends and condone corruption,” Pritzker said. “And I deeply believe this pardon sends the wrong message at the wrong time.” 

Pritzker said he is committed to continuing to take clear and decisive steps this spring to prevent politicians from using their offices for personal gain and that he will continue to approach his work with that firm conviction. 

Staff reporter Bethany Rentfro can be reached by email at [email protected]. 

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