**Trump Considers Ex-Governor for US Ambassador to Serbia**
The White House is considering former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevic for the US ambassador to Serbia. This was reported by Politico, citing two sources familiar with the discussions.
Blagojevic has a long history with Trump. He served time in prison for corruption charges and had his sentence commuted by Trump in 2020. The two men go back decades, with Blagojevic appearing on Trump’s reality TV show “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2010.
**A Controversial Choice?**
Sending a former high-ranking official convicted of corruption to Serbia could be seen as sending the wrong message. Serbia has struggled with corruption for years. It is unclear how the Senate would react to Blagojevic’s nomination.
Blagojevic was removed from office in 2011 after being convicted on federal charges of corruption. He maintained his innocence and accused prosecutors of conducting a politically motivated prosecution. He served eight years in prison before having his sentence commuted by Trump.
**Not the First Controversy**
This would not be the first time Trump has used his pardon powers to appoint someone with controversy surrounding them. Charles Kushner, the father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, was nominated for ambassador to France.
Blagojevic visited Serbia this week and met with President Aleksandar Vucic. The US Embassy in Serbia has been without an ambassador since January, when Christopher Hill left the post.