Is Trump Testing the Waters With Diddy Pardon Talk?

Former President Donald Trump recently fielded a question on the possibility of pardoning convicted rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs. Asked during a Thursday, August 1, interview on Newsmax’s Finnerty on Friday, the Republican said he was still mulling over whether he would pardon the hip-hop icon.

The founder of Bad Boy Records and producer was found guilty on one federal charge—transportation with intent to engage in prostitution—late last month. But he was acquitted on the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. The seven-week trial was eventful to say the least, including various testimonies, distractions, and accusations. Singer Cassie Ventura even took the stand to share details about her former relationship with Combs, accusing him of abuse and trafficking, which he vehemently denied.

Now, Trump’s comments on the subject have resurfaced, as the real estate mogul indicated he may consider offering Combs a pardon. The question was raised by Finnerty, to which Trump offered a not-so-clear answer, but at least left open the door.

“He was essentially, I guess, sort of half-innocent,” Trump said. “He’s still in jail or something, but he was celebrating a victory. But I guess it wasn’t as good a victory.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs Was Questioned During A Trial Last Month

In his assessment of the case and his relationship with Combs, Trump said the two were once very close, but some things in life get in the way, and “in his case, it was me getting into politics.” But he added that he was still open to looking at the facts before making a final decision.

“We were very friendly. I got along with him great,” Trump said. “He used to like me a lot. I think when I ran for politics, that relationship busted up. … 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.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs Was Found Guilty Of One Charge Of Transport With Intent To Engage In Prostitution

Trump is not the first president to comment on the possibility of a Sean “Diddy” Combs pardon. As The Inquisitr reported, Trump was asked during an Oval Office press briefing back in May if he would consider the decision. At the time, the former president offered a similar non-answer, but also promised to “look at the facts.”

“I haven’t spoken to him in years,” Trump told Fox News White House reporter Peter Doocy. “If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs Faces Up To 20 Years In Prison

In his initial response, Trump also noted that he believed Combs would ultimately be found innocent, “But I know the facts very well, and I will make a decision. But if the facts are there, I will probably look to find some innocence.”

Sean “Diddy” Combs is currently facing up to 20 years in prison on the one count on which he was found guilty. Sentencing for Combs is currently slated for October 3.

Donald Trump Also Mentioned Sean “Diddy” Combs By Name

After his July verdict, which many considered a victory for Combs given the scope of the charges, he was released on bail from the federal court in Virginia. He is currently awaiting sentencing and is living with his family at home while he can.

A clip of Trump’s full response to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ question was posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Finnerty and has drawn reaction from political pundits, hip-hop fans, and criminal justice experts. Whether or not Trump moves forward with a Sean “Diddy” Combs pardon remains to be seen.

Sean “Diddy” Combs Was Questioned During The Trial Last Month

As the date for sentencing looms, it is also unclear if Trump will still be open to the possibility. Both he and Combs have been mired in legal and political drama over the past year. While the two may have repaired their relationship when Trump was still president, things were different now.

But for now, it seems that Trump will give it some consideration before concluding whether to pardon Sean “Diddy” Combs. Until then, fans of the record mogul are left with Trump’s response. “He was celebrating a victory,” Trump concluded in his interview. “But I guess it wasn’t as good a victory.”