Is a Trump pardon for Sean Diddy Combs on the table? Here's when and how it might happen
Trump: 'I would certainly look at the facts'
Live Events
Diddy Combs trial: A powerful trial still unfolding
Trump's long list of pardons — and a hint of history
A fractured relationship, but no grudge
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Would US President Donald Trump pardon Diddy? That was the question posed to him on Friday, and the US President didn't rule it out. 'Nobody's asked. But I know people are thinking about it,' he said, during a White House press briefing.He added, 'First of all, I'd look at what's happening, and I haven't been watching it too closely, although it's certainly getting a lot of coverage.'Trump's response came as Sean "Diddy" Combs continues to stand trial in New York on serious federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transporting individuals for prostitution. He has pleaded not guilty to all five felony counts.Despite not having spoken to Combs in years, Trump made it clear that personal relationships wouldn't influence his stance. 'I haven't seen him, I haven't spoken to him in years,' he told reporters. 'He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics… that relationship busted up, from what I read. I don't know — he didn't tell me that, but I'd read some little bit nasty statements.'He reiterated: '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.'That line, said while standing in front of a White House backdrop celebrating Elon Musk, hinted at Trump's current streak of issuing high-profile pardons, many of which have stirred controversy.Combs, 55, was arrested in 2024 after a wide-ranging federal investigation. His indictment was unsealed on 17 September. Prosecutors allege he operated a criminal enterprise involving sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Charges include racketeering under the RICO statute and the transportation of individuals for prostitution.The trial, which began in May and is expected to continue through the summer, has already delivered graphic, emotional testimony.His former girlfriend, singer Casandra "Cassie" Ventura, testified about years of alleged abuse, including violent outbursts and drug-fuelled sex sessions involving other men, referred to as 'freak-offs.' She spoke of coercion and physical violence that spanned several years.On Thursday, a witness named Mia, who worked for Combs between 2009 and 2017, described how her job turned into a nightmare. She testified about tending to Cassie's injuries — 'busted lips,' 'bruises,' and 'a black eye.' Mia said, 'We were not allowed to go out until her injuries healed enough to conceal.' She also alleged that she, too, was raped while working under Combs.Since his return to the presidency in January, Trump has granted pardons at a remarkable pace. Just last week, he pardoned 17 individuals and commuted the sentences of nine others. Among those were reality TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley, convicted of tax evasion and bank fraud.The suggestion of a pardon for Combs emerged as part of a broader wave of speculation — partly driven by Diddy's supporters and, notably, by Suge Knight, former CEO of Death Row Records. Knight, who is currently serving a 28-year sentence, recently told NewsNation that Combs may have 'some favours with the government' and might get 'a little leeway.' He added, 'I don't think he's worried, because he's going to be federal. And if he gets convicted, Trump's going to pardon him.'Fox News reporter Peter Doocy raised the question at Friday's briefing. Trump admitted that 'people have been very close to asking' for a pardon but insisted again that he'd base his decision only on the evidence.Photos from the 1990s show Trump and Combs sharing the same circles — even watching the 1997 US Open together with their partners, Melania Trump and Kim Porter. But Trump says the friendship didn't survive his shift into politics.'You become a much different person when you run for politics, and you do what's right,' Trump said. 'I could do other things, and I'm sure he'd like me, and I'm sure other people would like me, but it wouldn't be as good for our country.'Though he's kept his distance from the Combs case publicly, the former president's comments on Friday signal that the door is not closed. Whether he will intervene — or let the trial run its course — remains to be seen.
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