President Donald Trump said on Friday that he would “look at the facts” before deciding whether to pardon rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs if he is convicted in his ongoing federal trial. Combs is currently facing charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering.
Trump’s Comments on Relationship with Combs
When asked about the possibility of a pardon, Trump said he hasn’t been closely following the trial and hasn’t spoken to Combs “in years.” He noted, “Nobody’s asked” him for clemency.
Trump also mentioned that Combs once “really liked me a lot,” but their relationship apparently cooled when Trump entered politics. “I’d read some little bit nasty statements in the paper all of a sudden,” Trump said, adding that the rapper did not tell him directly about any issues.
Trump Signals Openness to Consider Pardon Based on Facts
Despite the cooled relationship, Trump emphasized that his decision would depend on the facts. “If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me wouldn’t have any impact,” he said, hinting he might consider clemency if warranted.
Background: Charges Against Sean “Diddy” Combs
Combs pleaded not guilty last year to federal charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. According to the indictment, he is accused of leading a criminal enterprise involved in crimes like sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
Calls for Pardon and Trump’s Pardon History
Earlier this month, Suge Knight, former CEO of Death Row Records, suggested that Trump could pardon Combs.
Trump has been active in issuing pardons during his current term. On his first day back in office this year, he pardoned nearly all Jan. 6 defendants. He has granted more than three dozen pardons in the first four months of this term, far exceeding the number of pardons issued by President Biden over his entire four years.
Recently, Trump made headlines by pardoning reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, convicted of bank fraud and tax evasion.
While Trump has not committed to pardoning Sean “Diddy” Combs, his statement shows he is open to reviewing the case based on the facts. The rapper’s federal trial continues to attract attention, and a presidential pardon could significantly impact the outcome.