Trump says pardoning Diddy is ‘more difficult’ due to rapper’s ‘terrible statements’ during election

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump has opened up about the possibility of granting a pardon to Sean 'Diddy' Combs after the rapper’s recent criminal conviction.

While Combs avoided the most serious charges, the president said personal history and past remarks from the music mogul may stand in the way of any leniency.

Donald Trump calls Diddy pardon 'unlikely' amid past political hostility

During an interview with Newsmax, Donald Trump said he now sees a potential pardon for Sean 'Diddy' Combs as unlikely.

The 79-year-old called the situation “more difficult” because of Combs’ vocal opposition during his presidency.

"Well, he was essentially, I guess, sort of half-innocent," said Trump, referring to the outcome of Combs' July 2 federal trial in New York City.

“I don't know what they do, still in jail or something. But he was celebrating a victory, but I guess it wasn't as good of a victory,” Trump added while speaking to Rob Finnerty.

Although Combs was acquitted of trafficking and racketeering conspiracy charges, he was convicted of lesser counts.

Trump recalled his earlier relationship with the Bad Boy Records founder, saying, “I got along with him great. Seemed like a nice guy. I didn't know him well. But when I ran for office, he was very hostile. It's hard.”

Sean 'Diddy' Combs once said Donald Trump 'threatened the lives' of voters

In the lead-up to the 2020 election, Sean 'Diddy' Combs gave an interview to Charlamagne tha God in which he strongly criticized Trump’s presidency.

"Seeing what's going on, White men like Trump need to be banished. That way of thinking, it's real dangerous,” Combs had said in that interview.

“This man literally threatened the lives of us and our families about going to vote. 'Stand back and stand by.' The No 1 priority is to get Trump out of office.”

Referencing those remarks, Trump said, “We're human beings. We don't like to have things cloud our judgment, right? But when you knew someone and you were fine and then you run for office and he made some terrible statements."

"So, I don't know. It's more difficult,” he said. “Makes it more, I'm being honest, makes it more difficult to do.”

When asked directly if that meant a pardon was unlikely, Trump responded, “I would say so.”

Donald Trump reveals he’s allowed to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell and George Santos

During the same interview, Donald Trump addressed the topic of other controversial potential pardons.

He noted that he retains the authority to pardon both Ghislaine Maxwell and Former US Representative George Santos, stating for each that he is “allowed” or has “the right to” make that decision.

Reports had previously suggested Trump was “seriously” considering a pardon for Combs either before or after sentencing, though his latest comments suggest he may have changed his position.