Former U.S. President Donald Trump has explained why granting a pardon to rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs isn’t something he can easily consider.
Speaking in a recent interview with Newsmax, Trump acknowledged that while he and Diddy once had a cordial rapport, the rapper’s vocal criticism during the election season left a lasting impression.
“I used to get along with him just fine,” Trump shared. “He seemed nice, though we weren’t close. But once I entered politics, his hostility changed everything. That makes things more complicated.”
This comes after Diddy’s legal representatives reached out to Trump’s team following his conviction in July on two counts related to interstate prostitution, offenses that could carry a sentence of up to 20 years. He was, however, acquitted of the more severe federal allegations, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
A member of Diddy’s legal team, Nicole Westmoreland, confirmed that preliminary conversations with Trump’s circle have already started regarding a potential pardon.
Diddy has been in custody since September 2024, following a wave of allegations from over 120 individuals—including a minor and his former partner, Cassie Ventura. He was denied bail and is currently awaiting sentencing, with his next court date scheduled for October.
