Diddy's Hail Mary? Trump Floats Potential Pardon for Embattled Mogul

Donald Trump, Asked About Pardoning Diddy, Says ‘I Would Certainly Look at the Facts’ and That ‘He Used to Really Like Me a Lot’ - Variety

Trump Considers Pardoning Diddy: "I Would Certainly Look at the Facts"


In a move that's already sending ripples through the entertainment and legal worlds, former President Donald Trump has addressed the possibility of pardoning Sean "Diddy" Combs, the embattled hip-hop mogul currently facing serious criminal charges in New York.


Trump's comments came during a press conference on Friday, following a question from Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy regarding a potential pardon for Combs. This follows a recent trend of Trump exercising his presidential pardon power for celebrities, including reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, and rapper NBA YoungBoy.


Here's what we know:

  • The Question: Trump was directly asked whether he would consider pardoning Sean "Diddy" Combs.
  • Trump's Response: "Nobody’s asked… [but] I know people are thinking about it," Trump stated. He also admitted he hasn't closely followed the trial coverage.
  • Past Relationship: Referencing a time when he hosted "The Apprentice" on NBC, Trump mentioned, "He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics he sort of — that relationship busted up.”

Despite any potential fractured relationship, Trump emphasized that his decision would be based on merit. "It’s not a popularity contest… 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."


The Charges Against Diddy


Combs is currently on trial in Manhattan federal court, facing serious allegations of racketeering and sex trafficking. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges. If convicted, the consequences could be severe, potentially leading to a life sentence. Prosecutors have indicated that Combs previously turned down a plea deal in the case.


The Context: Musk and DOGE


Trump's remarks about Diddy occurred during a press conference intended to commend tech entrepreneur Elon Musk for his work leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This comes shortly after Musk publicly criticized Trump’s “massive spending bill,” arguing it “undermines the work” of DOGE.


Key Takeaways:

  • Trump is open to considering a pardon for Diddy, emphasizing a focus on the facts of the case.
  • Diddy faces significant legal challenges, including racketeering and sex trafficking charges.
  • The comments were made amidst praise for Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency.

The possibility of a presidential pardon introduces another layer of complexity to an already high-profile case. While Trump’s decision remains uncertain, his willingness to "look at the facts" suggests that this story is far from over. It remains to be seen whether the former president will intervene, and what impact such a decision would have on the ongoing legal proceedings and public perception.


Tags: Donald Trump, Diddy, Sean Combs, pardon, NBA YoungBoy, Todd Chrisley, Julie Chrisley, The Apprentice, hip-hop, celebrity

Source: https://variety.com/2025/music/news/trump-pardon-diddy-look-at-the-facts-1236414290/

Comments