Trump Leaves Door Open on Diddy Pardon During Sex Trafficking Trial
Diddy performing at the eTalk Festival Party during the Toronto International Film Festival, 2008. Photo by Richard Burdett under CC BY 3.0.
In the world of celebrity scandals and political power plays, timing is everything. So, when former President Donald Trump was asked during a recent Oval Office press conference whether he'd consider pardoning music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, the answer made headlines. Trump didn't rule it out. He didn't commit either. Instead, he gave an opening — one that's now at the center of speculation.
Trump Weighs In — But Leaves Room
On May 30, President Trump addressed a question from Fox News' Peter Doocy regarding whether he'd consider a pardon for Diddy, who is currently on trial in New York City on federal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. "Well, nobody's asked," Trump replied, according to US Weekly. "I know people are thinking about it."
He clarified that he hasn't followed the trial closely, which began on May 5 and is expected to run through early July. According to Buzzfeed, he said, "It's not a popularity contest, so I don't know. 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."
The Charges Diddy Faces
Diddy, 55, was arrested in September and has pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges, including sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; racketeering conspiracy; and transportation to engage in prostitution. His legal team denies all accusations, including those stemming from a settled civil lawsuit filed in 2023 by his ex-partner Cassie Ventura. In May 2024, CNN released hotel surveillance footage showing Diddy assaulting Ventura in 2016 — an incident he called "inexcusable" in a public video statement reported by Time Magazine.
Although that video is not part of the current federal case, it has added public pressure and scrutiny around the proceedings.
Why Trump's Word Matters Now
Trump has demonstrated an eagerness to wield the pardon power broadly — and sometimes controversially. Just days before discussing Diddy's case, he issued pardons to reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted of fraud and tax evasion. While Trump claimed not to know the Chrisleys personally, he granted clemency after a campaign led by their daughter, Savannah Chrisley.
A preemptive pardon isn't off the table either. According to legal scholar Brian Kalt, the Supreme Court allows presidents to issue pardons even before a conviction — a precedent that gives Trump broad latitude.
Enter 50 Cent
Another unexpected twist is 50 Cent. The rapper, who has had a longstanding feud with Diddy, posted a clip of Trump's comments to Instagram and said he would be contacting Trump to express his views. In a follow-up post, he hinted that Diddy's past criticisms of Trump could factor into the decision, writing, "Donald doesn't take well to disrespect, and doesn't forget who chooses to go against him," according to USA Today.
While 50 Cent may not have Trump's ear on the matter, his commentary fuels the narrative that public opinion — especially from high-profile figures — could influence the former president's decision-making.
From Mar-a-Lago to the Courtroom
It's worth noting that Trump and Diddy have history. They traveled in the same elite circles in the early 2000s, appearing at events like the 2005 Art for Life Gala at Mar-a-Lago. Trump once praised Diddy as "a visionary and a great talent," according to Buzzfeed.
But the relationship reportedly cooled when Trump entered politics, with Diddy making negative statements about him in the media.
Could It Really Happen?
Legally, yes. Diddy's case involves only federal charges — a key requirement for a presidential pardon. Trump has also shown a willingness to use pardons as both legal remedies and political gestures. But whether he'll extend that power to Diddy remains a waiting game.
Public reaction could play a significant role. Pardoning a celebrity accused of sex trafficking, particularly amid #MeToo-era sensitivities, could trigger backlash — especially from voters Trump hopes to sway in a potential return to office.
The stakes are high, the timing is delicate, and the question lingers: Would Trump really do it?
References: Donald Trump Says He Wouldn't Rule Out a Pardon for Diddy: 'I Would Certainly Look at the Facts' | 50 Cent Says He'll Reach Out to Trump in Effort to Prevent a Diddy Pardon | Donald Trump Just Commented On Potentially Pardoning Diddy And Said The Most Donald Trump Thing Ever | Will Sean 'Diddy' Combs Be the Next Celebrity Pardoned by Trump?
