Trump Open to Pardoning Diddy After Partial Conviction

Donald Trump continues to draw attention to himself by potentially intervening in the legal case of rap superstar Sean “Diddy” Combs. While speaking to reporters on the Friday, August 1, episode of Newsmax’s Finnerty, the former president was asked whether he would “pardon” Combs if he wins the White House in 2025.

As the outlet recalls, Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, was found guilty on one federal charge—transportation with the intent to promote or engage in prostitution. However, the court absolved him of the more severe charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering. The case, which took more than seven weeks, was filled with witnesses’ testimonies and drama. Singer Cassie Ventura, who has accused Combs of abuse and trafficking during their past relationship, was one of the key figures in the trial. He has vehemently denied the charges against him and has maintained his innocence.

Trump answered the question, which could come with far-reaching political and legal implications. His answer was typical of him: evasive but with undertones of both possibility and familiarity. “Well, he was essentially, I guess, sort of half-innocent,” Trump began. “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 brought up the two’s past relationship to make it clear that they were, at one time, very close. “We were very friendly. I got along with him great,” Trump said. However, according to him, their friendship hit a snag not because of the trial or Combs but due to his own decision to run for office. “He used to like me a lot. I think when I ran for politics, that relationship busted up. … 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.”

Legal Battles and Possible Clemency

Trump had previously addressed the same question back in May. During the May 10 edition of a press briefing from the Oval Office, he had a brief conversation with Fox News reporter Peter Doocy on the topic.

Trump responded to Doocy’s question by repeating much of what he has previously said: a firm promise to “look at the facts.” He also explicitly stated that he would not be deterred by Combs’ support for President Joe Biden or lack thereof.

“I haven’t spoken to him in years,” Trump told Doocy. The former president was also adamant that while Combs was close to him “in the old days,” he wouldn’t be unjust about the pardon. “If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”

Combs’ case is still ongoing. The rap mogul was convicted on a federal charge on July 26 in New York. However, before he could celebrate his victory, he was found guilty of transportation with the intent to promote or engage in prostitution.

The penalty is up to 20 years in prison, and the sentencing date has been set for October 3. A previous hearing to discuss various details of the sentence, including a potential plea deal, is set for September 5. It remains to be seen whether Trump will honor Combs’ request.

The drama of a celebrity trial, presidential powers, and possible injustice coming together has whipped the media into a frenzy. Trump’s additional remarks and willingness to give it a second look have added yet another level to the discussion.

“I haven’t spoken to him in years, but we were very, very friendly. If I think, as a Republican, that somebody was mistreated, I would look at it,” Trump said.

Combs’ case continues to attract the public eye. If nothing else, his July 26 victory will have given him time to reflect on his past as the sentencing date quickly approaches. As for Trump, Finnerty made it a point to ask more questions. A full transcript of his comments on Combs is available on Newsmax, and a clip of Trump’s comments has also been shared on X (formerly Twitter).

While Combs maintains that he is innocent of the more serious charges, Trump’s words have left many wondering if the rap mogul will get a second chance should the former president decide to come back to the Oval Office. In the meantime, fans and observers of the case will have to wait for sentencing.