Trump Floats Diddy Pardon Despite Conviction

Former President Donald Trump is continuing to attract negative attention regarding Sean “Diddy” Combs and the rapper’s recent trial and conviction. In an interview on the Newsmax show Finnerty on Friday, August 1, the former president was asked if he thought it was possible that Combs could be issued a presidential pardon following his conviction last month.

The hip-hop mogul and founder of Bad Boy Records was convicted of one federal charge in early July after an over seven-week trial, but he was acquitted on multiple other serious charges that included sex trafficking and racketeering. Throughout the lengthy trial and multiple testimonies, accusations continued to be made against Combs that reached as far back as his past relationship with singer Cassie Ventura.

In the relationship, Ventura, who is now in a relationship with rhymer Tory Lanez, alleged that Combs would abuse her and use her for trafficking purposes. Combs has refuted all allegations against him, but he now faces up to 20 years in prison, and he’s been found guilty of transportation with intent to engage in prostitution. While in jail, Combs was seen smiling and in a jovial mood, and he was actually seen celebrating, but the former president isn’t so sure of that celebration now.

Trump was recently asked about the Combs case and if he would be willing to pardon the Bad Boy Records mogul. “Well, he was essentially, I guess, sort of half-innocent,” he said on the Newsmax show. “He’s still in jail or something, but he was celebrating a victory. But I guess it wasn’t as good a victory.”

Trump also commented on their previous relationship, where they were both friends, and Trump explained how things changed. “We were very friendly. I got along with him great,” Trump also 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.”

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The president was asked the same question only a few months prior by Fox News reporter Peter Doocy while Trump was in the Oval Office. In a May press briefing, Trump said his response about Combs was going to be the same as it was a few months later on Newsmax.

He would look at the facts of the case, but Trump made it clear at the time that he wouldn’t be swayed by his personal feelings. “I haven’t spoken to him in years,” Trump said at the time. “He used to like me. And if he doesn’t like me, that’s okay too, but that won’t make a difference. But I will tell you, if I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”

Combs’ conviction last month is now set for sentencing on October 3. The rapper is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, sex trafficking, and racketeering, but the judge only found him guilty on the federal charge of transportation with intent to engage in prostitution. The charge comes with a maximum of 20 years in prison, and Combs could be headed for a long sentence.

While Trump and Combs were close friends at one point, Trump hasn’t spoken to Combs in years, but that could soon change if Trump decides to dole out a presidential pardon, something he has said he would be willing to do if he sees the need for it. Stay tuned for more updates on this story.