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President Trump added to his growing list of presidential pardons and commutations by granting clemency to former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich and 10 others. "He served eight years in jail, a long time. He seems like a very nice person, don't know him," President Trump said after commuting the controversial Democratic politicians' sentence. Blagojevich, who appeared on President Trump's 'Celebrity Apprentice' reality show in 2010, was issued a 14-year sentence for attempting to sell a US Senate seat.

Joining Blagojevich in the list of Tuesday's pardons and commutations are former New York police commissioner Bernie Kerik, who was convicted of tax fraud and lying to officials; former owner of the San Francisco 49ers Eddie DeBartolo Jr, who was convicted after failing to report a felony in a bribery case; and notorious 1980s Wall Street financier Mike Milken, convicted of felony charges including securities fraud.

Following his release, Blagojevich lavished President Trump with gratitude, saying he was "profoundly grateful" and describing himself as a "big fan". Speaking to the media at Denver International Airport, Blagojevich said: "And if you’re asking me what my party affiliation is, I’m a Trump-ocrat."