Trump Signals Openness to Diddy Pardon Ahead of Sentencing

Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who last month was found guilty of one federal offense, may soon have a new ally — or at least a presidential pardon — from Donald Trump. At least, Trump would be willing to consider it.

On Finnerty on Friday on Newsmax on August 1, the former president was asked by host Bob Unanue, “Are you going to look at the case of Sean Combs and give him a pardon?” Combs was convicted last month of one charge of transportation with intent to engage in prostitution. He was acquitted on the more serious charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering.

The verdict came after a lengthy seven-week trial, replete with testimonies, shock witnesses, and a dust-up by singer Cassie Ventura, who in the course of the trial alleged that Combs abused her, even trafficking her, during their former romantic relationship. Combs has denied the allegations and has continued to declare his innocence in the case, in which he was one of 19 defendants.

Trump said in response to Unanue’s question, “Well, he was essentially, I guess, sort of half-innocent,” Trump began, adding with classic Donald-style vagueness and familiarity. “He’s still in jail or something, but he was celebrating a victory. But I guess it wasn’t as good a victory.”

The former president also spoke at some length about his previous relationship with Combs and the New York City celebrity scene before getting elected to the Oval Office. “We were very friendly. I got along with him great,” Trump continued. “I mean, he’s a tough kid, Sean. He used to like me a lot. I think when I ran for politics, that relationship busted up. But we’ve known each other for many years. 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.”

Previous Comments on Pardon

Trump previously offered his vague non-commitment to a possible pardon for Combs during a May press briefing in the Oval Office. During that appearance, he was again asked the question by Fox News White House reporter Peter Doocy, and he answered in much the same way, promising to “look at the facts” and follow the law, while declining to promise anything specific.

“I haven’t spoken to him in years,” Trump said. “He was great when I was in this business. But I know Sean, and I will 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.”

That and this past weekend’s interview with Newsmax is the second time he’s publicly considered the possibility of a Combs pardon. The case is also continuing to develop. As previously noted, Combs has been found guilty on the transportation charge, and he could face up to 20 years in prison. The sentencing date is currently October 3. The other 18 defendants in the case have either already been sentenced or their sentencing dates are also on the calendar.

‘Bad Boy’ Combs and the Culture War on Trial

Combs, born and raised in Harlem, is the founder of Bad Boy Records, one of hip-hop’s most successful and influential labels. The case has since sparked high-profile debates on topics ranging from the larger criminal justice system to the privileges of wealth and celebrity, and to how Trump’s relationships with Black entertainers could potentially factor into such clemency decisions.

In the interview, Trump also seemed to reiterate that, despite their bygone relationship, he has no problem at all giving a cold shoulder to a longtime celebrity friend if it suits his current political needs or desires. “I used to like a lot of people, that I may not like so much now,” he added.

Combs isn’t the only one who may potentially receive a post-Trump presidency pardon. This past March, he also announced the possibility of granting posthumous pardons to rapper ASAP Rocky and Joycelyn Savage, who were acquitted in the rap star’s name drug and assault case earlier that month.

Combs’ Chance for Presidential Clemency

Since the Trump interview is now on X (formerly Twitter), the whole clip is available to see for yourself. Whether Trump will ever actually issue a pardon is still unknown, but it’s been publicly raised. Stay tuned until October’s sentencing hearing to see how this one all shakes out.