Kenya, July 30 -- President Donald Trump is "seriously considering" pardoning Sean "Diddy" Combs, according to Deadline, as the hip-hop mogul awaits sentencing following his conviction on two counts of transportation for prostitution in a high-profile federal trial.
The "Trump considers Diddy pardon" statement, made during a May 30 Oval Office press briefing, has sparked intense debate, given Combs's acquittal on more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
Trump, once calling Combs a "good friend" in 2012 on The Apprentice, emphasized he would "look at the facts" if a pardon request is made, despite their strained relationship after Combs's critical remarks during Trump's political rise.
Trump's openness to pardoning Combs, who faces up to seven years in prison, aligns with his pattern of high-profile clemency grants, including reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley and rapper NBA YoungBoy in 2025.
Reuters reported Trump noting that "nobody's asked" formally, but "people are thinking about it," hinting at outreach from Combs's team. The trial, which began May 12, 2025, in Manhattan, revealed allegations of Combs coercing women into drug-fueled "Freak Offs," though he was cleared of the gravest charges.
The Washington Post noted that rapper 50 Cent, a Combs rival producing a Netflix documentary on the allegations, vowed to dissuade Trump, citing Combs's past anti-Trump statements.
Combs, 55, was convicted on July 2, 2025, of two counts related to transportation for prostitution but acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering, which carried a potential life sentence.
The Independent detailed that the trial, spanning over a month, included testimony from ex-partner Cassie Ventura and others alleging abuse and non-consensual acts. Combs pleaded not guilty, with his legal team arguing consensual participation in the "Freak Offs."
Despite the mixed verdict, USA Today reported that Trump's pardon power could preemptively end Combs's legal ordeal, as it applies to federal crimes like these. Sentencing is set for October 2025, fueling speculation about clemency.
The "Trump considers Diddy pardon" narrative is rooted in their past as New York socialites. Newsweek noted they were photographed together at events like the 1998 Combs birthday party and a 2005 gala honoring Combs at Mar-a-Lago.
Trump praised Combs in 1999 as a "visionary" after an assault charge, per Buzzfeed. However, their bond soured when Combs endorsed Joe Biden in 2020, warning of a "race war" if Trump won, as reported by The Washington Post. Trump acknowledged this shift, stating, "He used to really like me a lot, but when I ran for politics, that relationship busted up."
Reactions on X are polarized, with one saying, "Trump considers Diddy pardon? This is why people question his judgment!" Another defended Trump, saying, "If Diddy was mistreated, a pardon makes sense."
50 Cent's Instagram posts, since deleted, urged Trump to reconsider, claiming Combs's disrespect disqualifies him. Fox News quoted 50 Cent saying, "Donald doesn't take well to disrespect."
Attorney Tony Buzbee, representing Combs's civil suit accusers, dismissed pardon chances, per The Independent. In Kenya, where American pop culture trends, The Star reported fans debating the pardon's implications, reflecting global interest.
Brian Kalt, a Michigan State University law professor, told USA Today that Trump can issue a preemptive pardon for federal crimes, even before conviction, as the Constitution grants broad clemency powers.
However, state-level charges, like those Combs may face in civil suits, are beyond Trump's reach. Reddit's r/Fauxmoi speculated that Combs's past at Trump's events could influence the decision, with one user noting, "Diddy probably has blackmail." Trump's recent pardons, including Jan. 6 rioters and ex-governor Rod Blagojevich, show his willingness to use this power boldly.
Pardoning Combs could be controversial, given the trial's allegations of abuse and public scrutiny. Fox News cited former boxer Duke Tanner, pardoned by Trump in 2020, suggesting Trump's team would thoroughly review the case for fairness.
NewsNation noted that Trump's pardons often reward allies or celebrities, but Combs's critical comments and the gravity of the charges complicate the optics.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.