Trump Confirms Sean “Diddy” Combs Asked for a Pardon

President Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged that Sean “Diddy” Combs asked him for a presidential pardon following the rapper’s conviction and sentencing, but said he is not planning to grant one, according to a recent interview with The New York Times. Trump said the request came via a handwritten letter, but did not produce the letter when asked.

Trump Reveals Diddy Sought a Pardon

Combs, 56, is serving a 50-month federal prison sentence after being convicted in July 2025 on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution and sentenced in October 2025. He was acquitted of the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.

Trump Cites Personal History and Politics

Trump — who once had a civil personal relationship with Combs before entering politics — suggested that their rapport deteriorated after Combs publicly criticised him during past election cycles. He said that hostility makes it “more difficult” for him to feel inclined to act on the pardon request, even if it was presented formally. He implied that past comments from Combs during his political career weigh on his decision.

Although Trump has granted clemency to several high-profile individuals in recent months — including pardons to the Chrisley Knows Best stars convicted of fraud and to other figures such as Lil Wayne and Kodak Black for separate offenses — he indicated Combs will not be added to that list.

Combs’ Conviction and Legal Situation

Combs’s legal troubles date back to a major federal investigation that led to his indictment. In July 2025, a New York jury convicted him of transporting people across state lines for prostitution, a violation of federal law, while acquitting him on more severe racketeering and sex-trafficking counts. In October 2025, a judge imposed a four-year sentence and fined him $500,000.

His release date is currently scheduled for June 4, 2028, though his legal team has filed appeals and explored other legal avenues for relief separate from the presidential pardon process.

Combs’s request for clemency follows years of public and private legal strategy from his defence team, who had pursued bond requests and sought lesser sentences before and after his conviction. A presidential pardon would have allowed him to erase the conviction and secure immediate freedom — but that path now appears unlikely.

Public and Political Reaction

News of the pardon request and Trump’s rejection has sparked discussion online and in media circles. Some observers see Trump’s refusal as politically motivated, given Combs’s past criticism of Trump’s political positions. Others note that presidential pardons are traditionally influenced by a candidate’s discretion and political calculus — and that leaders often weigh public opinion and personal relationships when deciding who to pardon.

Online communities have reacted with a mix of surprise, amusement, and criticism, particularly given Trump’s history of issuing controversial pardons and commutations. Some users pointed out that Trump’s stance on Combs contrasts with other high-profile clemency decisions he has made, leading to questions about consistency in the pardon process.

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