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

Trump says pardoning Diddy is ‘more difficult’ due to rapper’s ‘terrible statements’ during election
President Donald Trump discussed the possibility of presidential pardons for Sean 'Diddy' Combs (Getty Images)

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.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 14: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks he meets with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador in the Oval Office of the White House on April 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump and Bukele were expected to discuss a range of bilateral issues including the detention of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, who has been held in a prison in El Salvador since March 15. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump speaks as he meets with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador in the Oval Office of the White House on April 14, 2025 in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

“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 Combs is seen on October 30, 2023, in Los Angeles, California (Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images)
Sean Combs is seen on October 30, 2023, in Los Angeles, California (Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images)

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."

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 08: U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to speak at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) dinner at the National Building Museum on April 08, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump spoke on a range of topics, including recent House special elections, changes his administration has made and the future of the Republican party. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump arrives to speak at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) dinner at the National Building Museum on April 08, 2025 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

"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.”

Sean
Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Donald Trump attend the 1998 Mercedes Benz Polo Challenge at the Bridgehampton Polo Club in Bridgehampton, New York on August 16, 1998 (Sonia Moskowitz/Getty Images)

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

George Santos gives a statement after a court hearing on August 19, 2024, in West Islip, New York (Michael M Santiago/Getty Images)
George Santos gives a statement after a court hearing on August 19, 2024, in West Islip, New York (Michael M Santiago/Getty Images)

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.

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 4:  (U.S. TABLOIDS OUT) Socialte Ghislaine Maxwell attends the Yves Saint Laure
Ghislaine Maxwell attends the Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche 57th Street Boutique Opening Party on September 4, 2003, in New York City (Evan Agostini/Getty Images) 

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.

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