A person close to the corruption trial of ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich says it's highly unlikely the defense team will call White House adviser Valerie Jarrett to testify.
The person says attorneys doubt Jarrett could add much to the case. That person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the information is confidential.
Jarrett is a longtime friend of President Barack Obama. Prosecution witnesses testified Blagojevich once considered appointing her to the U.S. Senate seat Obama was giving up to move to the White House if Obama would give him a Cabinet post.
Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to scheming to trade or sell the seat.
Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky said Monday that the chances of calling Jarrett would diminish if the former governor testified early.
——
Associated Press Writer Michael Tarm contributed to this report.
© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.