Trump considering pardoning Diddy, but can he do it?
A New York City jury on July 2 convicted Combs, 55, on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, each of which carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Jurors found Combs not guilty of more serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, which carried potential life sentences.
The president has felt the pressure in recent weeks as questions continue to bubble about his past relationship with former friend and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein, who sexually abused underage girls and died by suicide in August 2019 under circumstances that have garnered widespread conspiracy theories.
Here's what to know.
Did Trump say he would pardon Diddy?
President Donald Trump has gone on record to say he'd consider pardoning Sean "Diddy" Combs, though claimed at the time no one asked him to do so.
On July 29, Deadline reported Trump was "seriously considering" pardoning Sean "Diddy" Combs, citing an unnamed "administration source." Deadline, again citing the same unnamed source, said the White House would "not comment on the existence or nonexistence of any clemency request."
Trump weighed in on the possibility of pardoning Combs on May 30 during a news conference in the Oval Office. "Nobody's asked" about a pardon, the president said, "but I know people are thinking about it."
"I think some people have been very close to asking." Trump added, "I haven't spoken to him in years. He really liked me a lot."
Can Trump pardon Diddy?
Yes. Trump has the power to pardon Sean "Diddy" Combs. Under Article II, Section 2, of the U.S. Constititon, the president has the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses made against the United States. Federal criminal charges, which Diddy was convicted of, are covered; however, state criminal offenses and federal or state civil claims are not.
When will Trump pardon Diddy?
While it has not been officially verified by named sources that President Trump is seriously considering pardoning Sean "Diddy" Combs, TMZ reports Trump is awaiting a judge's decision on Diddy's latest petition to be released on bail.
If Combs is granted bail, Trump will not make a decision on a pardon until Diddy is sentenced later this year, TMZ reported July 30 via unnamed sources with "direct knowledge." Should Diddy's bail request be denied, Trump will allegedly make a decision "immediately.'
The latest on Diddy bail request
Sean "Diddy" Combs' legal team is again renewing their arguments to release the music mogul from federal prison as he awaits his sentencing. According to USA Today, citing legal documents, Combs' lawyers asked a judge on Tuesday, July 29 to release Combs on $50 million bond and to allow him to live in his Miami mansion. A judge denied Combs' initial request for release immediately after his verdict and ordered he be held in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.
When is Diddy sentencing?
Sean "Diddy" Combs will be sentenced on Oct. 3, 2025.
What did Megyn Kelly say about Diddy pardon?
Megyn Kelly, a former Fox News host, strongly urged President Trump "not to even consider" pardoning Sean "Diddy" Combs during her July 30 podcast and YouTube show "The Megyn Kelly Show."
Kelly, who had a tumultuous exit from Fox News in 2018, posted that Diddy was a "Trump hater" and "a woman abuser."
"MAGA is already upset over elites seeming to cover for each other," Kelly posted on X. "This would not help."
List of celebrities Trump has pardoned
Donald Trump has shown his willingness to pardon imprisoned celebrities in the past, including during his first and second terms as president:
In May, Trump pardoned reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley after they were found guilty of conspiring to defraud community banks in Atlanta out of more than $36 million in fraudulent loans, defraud the IRS and commit tax evasion. Todd Chrisley, who was additionally convicted of obstruction of justice and wire fraud, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, while Julie Chrisley received 7 years. Both had started their sentences in January 2023.
Trump pardoned rapper NBA YoungBoy, who pleaded guilty to his role in a Utah pharmacy drug ring in 2024.
In 2021, rapper Lil Wayne was granted a full pardon by Trump as one of his final acts of his first term as president. Lil Wayne was charged with a federal offense of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, which carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence. Kodak Black, another rapper, was also granted clemency.
Will Trump pardon Ghislaine Maxwell?
Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking and recently met with the Department of Justice to answer questions about Jeffery Epstein's notorious operation.
When asked on Monday, July 28, whether he's consider pardoning Maxwell, President Donald Trump said he is "allowed" to, but it would be 'inappropriate' to discuss it.
Lori Comstock is a New Jersey-based journalist with the Mid-Atlantic Connect Team.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Can Trump pardon Diddy? Here's what to know about Trump, Diddy pardon
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