Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has sharply criticized the Justice Department and mainstream media for their handling of former President Donald Trump's recent federal indictment. Blagojevich, speaking on Fox News Tonight, expressed his belief that the justice system and media have been weaponized against Trump, drawing parallels to his own experience with what he alleges was a corrupt legal process.
Blagojevich, who served as governor from 2003 to 2009, was convicted on corruption charges and impeached. He maintains his innocence, claiming his prosecution was politically motivated. He began serving a 14-year prison sentence in 2012, which was commuted by Trump in 2020. He now sees disturbing similarities in the treatment of Trump, particularly regarding the media's role.
He accused the media of acting as an "attack dog" against Trump, abandoning its role as an impartial watchdog. He expressed concern over what he perceives as a hyper-partisan atmosphere, stating that a free press is essential for a functioning democracy and should strive for fairness, regardless of political affiliations. He urged the American public to recognize this perceived bias and its potential consequences.
Blagojevich questioned the Justice Department's motives, arguing that the charges against Trump are politically driven. He expressed concern about the precedent this sets for future political discourse and elections, especially given Trump's status as the leading Republican presidential candidate.
While acknowledging the reported presence of classified documents in Trump's possession, Blagojevich suggested the situation could have been handled differently. He believes the media's narrative surrounding the indictment mirrors his own experience, contributing to a skewed public perception.
