.jpg)
When a reporter asked Donald Trump whether he would consider pardoning Sean “Diddy” Combs if the music mogul were found guilty in his high-profile sex trafficking trial, Trump’s response caught many off guard.
Diddy, 55, is currently facing five serious felony charges, including transportation for prostitution, sex trafficking, and racketeering conspiracy. The rapper and entrepreneur has pleaded not guilty to all accusations.
Now in its third week in a New York courtroom, the trial has featured dramatic testimonies from several key figures. Among them is Diddy’s ex-girlfriend, Cassie, who alleges years of abuse; her former boyfriend Kid Cudi, who claims Diddy was involved in the 2012 firebombing of his Porsche; and a male escort known on
Earlier this week, the court rejected the defense’s request for a mistrial after Diddy’s attorneys argued that the prosecution improperly suggested he had obstructed Kid Cudi’s investigation into the firebombing of his Porsche.
Recently, a reporter asked President Trump—who has been photographed with Diddy multiple times over the years—whether he would consider pardoning the Bad Boy Records founder.
The reporter reminded Trump that back in 2012, when Trump was 65, he considered Combs a friend.
In a recent press conference, Trump responded cryptically: “Nobody’s asked, but I know people are thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking.”
He continued, “First of all, I’d look at what’s happening, and I haven’t been watching it too closely… I haven’t seen him. I haven’t spoken to him in years.”
Trump also reflected on their changing relationship: “He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics, that relationship sort of busted up from what I read.”
“You become a much different person when you run for politics and you do what’s right. Our country’s doing really well because of what we’re doing.”
Trump concluded, “If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”
This comes just days after Trump granted pardons to reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion in 2022.
The president also issued a pardon for rapper NBA YoungBoy, who was convicted on gun-related charges.
In response, Kentrell Gaulden—the rapper’s real name—released a statement expressing gratitude:
“I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building — as a man, as a father, and as an artist.”
