Trump Eyes Pardon for P-Diddy Before Sentencing

US President Donald Trump is reportedly “seriously considering” granting a full presidential pardon to Sean “Diddy” Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, ahead of the music mogul’s sentencing scheduled for October 3, 2025.

This development, as of Wednesday, July 30, 2025, follows Combs’ partial conviction in a New York City trial earlier this month.

At the trial, he was found guilty on two counts related to transporting individuals for prostitution but acquitted of more serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering.

The potential pardon has attracted considerable attention, as it could effectively erase Diddy’s criminal record and prevent him from serving a prison sentence, which could be up to 20 years.

The discussions around a pardon have reportedly been active for nearly two months.

Sources within the Trump administration told Deadline that the idea has moved beyond mere speculation to a serious consideration within the Oval Office.

While Diddy’s legal team has not formally requested clemency, several associates and supporters close to the rapper have been lobbying the White House.

Their efforts have escalated following the partial guilty verdict, pushing the subject into an “actionable event” rather than just another political rumor.

Despite these deliberations, no official statement confirming the pardon decision has been released by the White House.

Sean Combs, aged 55, has been detained in Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest in September 2024.

Attempts to secure release on bail have been unsuccessful despite multiple bond offers.

These include a recent proposal for a $50 million bond secured by his Miami property, combined with stringent travel and contact restrictions.

His legal defense asserts that his conviction, which hinges on charges often associated with the Mann Act from 1910, does not warrant prison time.

They argue that the case is an unfair attack on Combs’ lifestyle and that he did not directly engage in illegal acts with escorts.

This is particularly adult male escorts who testified during the trial.

The eight-week trial included testimonies from several ex-girlfriends, staff, and even the singer Cassie Ventura.

They revealed allegations involving drug-laced parties and claims related to prostitution.

However, due to insufficient evidence, the jury did not convict Combs on the most serious allegations such as sex trafficking and racketeering.

This was a significant setback for the prosecution led by Maurene Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey.

Following the verdict, Maurene Comey was reportedly dismissed by the Trump administration, adding a political dimension to the case.

Trump’s consideration of a pardon aligns with his prior clemency actions involving celebrities, such as the May 2025 pardons of reality TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley.

Trump has stated previously that he would be open to pardoning Diddy if convinced that he was treated unfairly, irrespective of public opinion.

The relationship between Trump and Diddy dates back to the early 2000s.

Although it has been complex and marked by shifts, including Combs’ support for Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.

Trump has, however, described Diddy as a friend in past years, which further adds context to the possibility of a pardon.

The news of a possible pardon has sparked controversy, with some public figures and observers opposing it.

Criticism has come notably from rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who vowed to oppose any pardon for Diddy publicly.

Meanwhile, Trump faces pressure from various quarters, including his own MAGA supporters.

This is reportedly due to other unresolved controversies such as the handling of Epstein-related files.

Nevertheless, the focus now remains on Diddy’s upcoming sentencing and whether Trump will finalize a pardon before that date.

This would allow the rapper to avoid imprisonment.

In summary, President Donald Trump is seriously weighing the option of a full presidential pardon for Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Combs was convicted earlier this month on lesser charges linked to prostitution.

The pardon would come ahead of Combs’ sentencing in October, when he faces a potential prison term of up to 20 years.

While no official announcement has been made, insiders confirm the pardon is under serious consideration, influenced by longstanding ties, legal advocacy, and political factors.

The case remains highly publicized and contentious, emblematic of the intersection of celebrity, law, and politics in the United States today.