Diddy May Get Presidential Pardon—From Donald Trump

Donald Trump has once again shared his thoughts on the potential legal intervention on behalf of Sean “Diddy” Combs.

During a Thursday, July 20, interview on the Newsmax network’s Finnerty on Friday, the former president was asked whether or not he would issue a pardon to Combs should he be convicted in his recently concluded criminal trial.

Combs, the CEO of Bad Boy Entertainment and Bad Boy Records, was found guilty on one federal count of transportation with intent to engage in prostitution earlier this month. The much-publicized trial also saw him acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering, two of the many original charges against him.

The seven-week trial saw several witnesses and celebrities weigh in, with singer Cassie Ventura detailing allegations of abuse and trafficking by Combs during a prior relationship between the two. The Bad Boy Records CEO has consistently maintained his innocence in the matter.

In response to Trump’s question on whether he would be willing to offer a pardon for Combs, Trump replied, “Well, he was essentially, I guess, sort of half-innocent,” before continuing, “He’s still in jail or something, but he was celebrating a victory. But I guess it wasn’t as good a victory.”

In a subsequent statement, Trump also dived into his relationship with Combs, asserting that the two were “very friendly” with “got along with him great” during their history together. However, he believes that the friendship had soured as Trump entered the political arena, saying, “He used to like me a lot. I think when I ran for politics, that relationship busted up. … I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”

Trump Has Previously Responded to the Question of a Potential Pardon

Trump previously weighed in on the potential of issuing a pardon on Combs’ behalf back in May.

At the time, he was pressed on the matter during a question-and-answer session with Fox News reporter Peter Doocy during a press briefing in the Oval Office. Trump at the time repeated a similar response to the question, with Trump saying he would have to “look at the facts” to decide. He also made clear that the decision would not be swayed by his relationship with the music mogul.

“I haven’t spoken to him in years,” Trump responded to Doocy during the time. “If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”

As for Combs, the legal battle that has the hip-hop titan looking at a potentially lengthy jail sentence has yet to come to an official close. In addition to the original charges listed in connection with the federal investigation, which began in 2021, Combs was also charged last year with two counts of bribing a witness in connection with the ongoing case.

The most recent trial, which began in late June, saw Combs being acquitted of the sex trafficking and racketeering charges, but was found guilty of the lesser federal offense of transportation with the intent to engage in prostitution.

At the time of publication, the rapper’s sentencing is currently set for October 3. However, a full date has yet to be finalized as to when the latest sentence will take place.

As for Trump, he has made clear that he is willing to consider a pardon for Combs. However, no announcement has been made as of yet on whether or not he will formally pursue that course of action.