Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich expressed his gratitude to President Donald Trump for commuting his 14-year prison sentence on Tuesday.
“I think it’s appropriate to express my deepest, most profound, and everlasting gratitude to President Trump,” Blagojevich said.
Blagojevich spoke to Colorado news channel KDVR in the Denver airport after being released from prison.
“He didn’t have to do this,” Blagojevich continued. “He’s a Republican president, I was Democratic governor and my fellow Democrats haven’t exactly been very nice to him.”
Blagojevich is expected to host a press conference on Wednesday to further discuss his pardon and his future.
“I’ll have more to say tomorrow. If you’re flying home with us, be sure to put your seat belts on,” he said.
Blagojevich returned to his home in Chicago with a swarm of media and supporters to greet him.
“There’s no place like home,” he said.
A supporter of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich makes a sign thanking President Donald Trump at the Blagojevich home Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, in Chicago. Trump on Tuesday commuted what he called the “ridiculous” 14-year prison sentence handed out to the former governor for political corruption, clearing the way for his release after more than eight years behind bars. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)