Trump considering handing key role to infamous lawmaker jailed for corruption: report

Continuing his streak of making controversial appointments that could face congressional push-back, Donald Trump is reportedly considering an Illinois lawmaker who was released from prison in 2020 for an ambassadorship.

According to a report from Politico, the president is mulling over sending disgraced former Gov. Rod Blagojevich to represent the U.S. in Serbia.

The former Democrat served eight of the 14 years he was given after being convicted on 17 federal corruption charges in 2011 for attempting to cash in by selling the U.S. Senate seat held by Barack Obama after he won his first term as president.

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With charges ranging from wire fraud, attempted extortion and conspiracy to solicit bribes, Politico reports that the man known as "Blago" may have an uphill climb if Trump –– who commuted his sentence in 2020 –– takes the leap with an appointment.

According to Politico's Eric Bazail-Eimil and Amy Mackinnon, the possible nomination is not a done deal, adding, "It’s unclear how the Senate would receive a Blagojevich nomination. The bombastic and pugilistic politician may alienate Republican senators and gain little to no support from Democrats."

"It could also prompt backlash from groups working on transparency initiatives in Serbia. Sending Blagojevich to Belgrade would mean dispatching a former senior official convicted of corruption as the emissary to a country that has long grappled with — corruption," the report added.

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