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Former Governor Blagojevich Seeks to Subpoena Obama

By Kamika Dunlap on April 23, 2010 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich filed a motion in federal court to subpoena President Obama to testify in the Blagojevich corruption case.

As previously discussed, ousted Governor Blagojevich was removed from office after an alleged attempt to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama and other alleged efforts to leverage the powers of his office. According to the 10-page motion it says that the president must have information pertaining to case, the Chicago Tribune reports.

However, President Obama has publicly said that he had no knowledge to allegations made in the indictment or about talks filling his Senate seat.

There was no allegation in the court papers of any wrongdoing on Obama's part.

But Blagojevich's defense attorneys say there are two conflicting stories and that President Obama is the only person who can clear up the matter.

However, the physical presence Obama in a Chicago courtroom is not expected and if Judge James Zagel were to allow the president's testimony, it would most likely come in the form of a videotaped, ABC News reports.

So far, there has been no response from the White House. In addition, it would be extraordinary if a sitting president were subpoenaed to take the witness stand in a criminal trial.

According to the filing, former Governor Blagojevich will testify in his own defense and is looking to the president to corroborate some of his claims that there was no conspiracy to sell the seat.

Blagojevich's trial is scheduled to begin is due to begin on June 3.

As previously discussed, Blagojevich faces racketeering, attempted extortion, bribery, bribery conspiracy and extortion conspiracy charges.


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