President Trump’s intriguing response when asked if he’d pardon Diddy if convicted in current sex trafficking trial
As Sean “Diddy” Combs faces a barrage of federal charges in a closely watched trial in New York, President Donald Trump has made headlines of his own after being asked if he would pardon the disgraced rapper if found guilty.
Diddy, 55, is currently standing trial on five serious criminal charges including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
He has pleaded not guilty to all counts, but faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
A High-Stakes Trial with High-Profile Testimonies
The trial, now entering its third week, has already seen shocking testimony from several key figures.
Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura took the stand to recount alleged years of abuse. Rapper Kid Cudi testified that Diddy may have been linked to the 2012 firebombing of his Porsche. A male escort known only as “The Punisher” also described bizarre encounters, adding to the list of disturbing allegations.
Earlier this week, a judge denied the defense’s request for a mistrial, following claims that prosecutors improperly suggested Diddy had tampered with the investigation into the Porsche incident.
Trump: “I’d Certainly Look Into the Facts”
Asked during a press conference on May 30 whether he would consider pardoning Diddy, Trump didn’t shut the door.
“Nobody’s asked, but I know people are thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking,” Trump said, according to multiple reports, including The Hollywood Reporter.
“First of all, I’d look at what’s happening, and I haven’t been watching it too closely, although it’s certainly getting a lot of coverage,” he added. “I haven’t seen him. I haven’t spoken to him in years.”
Trump acknowledged that he and Diddy had once been close. “He used to really like me a lot,” Trump said, recalling their interactions prior to his political career. “But I think when I ran for politics, sort of, that relationship busted up from what I read,” the POTUS added.
The president emphasized that personal feelings wouldn’t influence his decision: “If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.
“I would certainly look at the facts.”
From “Good Friend” to Political Distance
Back in 2012, during an episode of The Celebrity Apprentice, Trump described Diddy as a “good friend.” But the tone appears to have changed since Trump entered the political arena.
“You become a much different person when you run for politics and you do what’s right,” Trump said. “Our country is doing really well because of what we’re doing, so it’s not a popularity contest.”
Though he hasn’t ruled out a pardon, Trump made it clear no formal request has been made. Still, he noted: “I know they’re thinking about it.”
Presidential Pardons: Trump’s Track Record
Trump’s comments come just days after he issued pardons to reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted of tax evasion and bank fraud. Rapper NBA YoungBoy also received clemency after serving time for gun-related offenses.
“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,” the rapper, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, said in a statement.
These recent pardons have fueled speculation among social media users that Trump could be positioning himself to offer Diddy similar relief.
The charges Diddy faces are being brought by the powerful US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. With witness testimonies growing increasingly damning, and the trial expected to continue into early July, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Bad Boy Records founder.
As the courtroom drama continues to unfold, Trump’s willingness to potentially weigh in adds another twist to a case already fraught with celebrity, controversy, and the looming shadow of presidential influence.