In a headline-making interview aired August 1, 2025, Donald Trump addressed the growing speculation surrounding a potential presidential pardon for rapper and music mogul Diddy (Sean Combs). Speaking on Rob Finnerty’s Newsmax show, Trump neither confirmed nor ruled out the possibility — a response that left many watching for further developments.
Diddy, who was convicted on July 2 for transporting individuals with intent to engage in prostitution, awaits final sentencing set for October 3. Although acquitted of the more serious charges related to sex trafficking and criminal enterprise, the case has sparked national attention. His legal team has already announced plans to appeal the verdict.
When asked directly if he would consider a pardon, Trump recalled his past with Diddy, saying they were once “very friendly” and that the rapper “seemed like a great guy.” But his tone shifted, referencing Diddy’s hostility during the 2020 election, when the artist publicly backed Joe Biden and criticized Trump’s policies.
“I didn’t really know him that well, turns out,” Trump said. “He was very unfriendly when I ran, and that does affect how we see people. But I’ve always said I’d look at the facts, especially if someone was treated unfairly — friend or not.”
@theneighborhoodtalk Neighbors, Trump is not happy with Diddy’s opinions on him while running for office! He’s considering pardoning him but claims his statements in the past make it very difficult. Thoughts?💭 #trump #diddy
Despite this openness, Trump emphasized that no formal request for a pardon has yet been submitted, and that the White House does not comment on ongoing internal deliberations about pardons.
Diddy, detained since September 2024, has had multiple attempts at bail rejected — including an unprecedented $50 million bond offer. His trial lasted eight weeks, featuring testimonies from former partners, employees, law enforcement, and others. Though jurors didn’t find enough evidence to convict on the most severe charges, the partial conviction still carries serious legal weight.
This potential pardon is surfacing just as Trump’s administration faces intensifying scrutiny over its handling of sealed documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a former associate of the former president. The Epstein files controversy has stirred backlash even within MAGA circles and fueled media tension — most notably a $10 billion lawsuit Trump recently filed against media mogul Rupert Murdoch.
Trump has previously said he would “consider a pardon based on fairness, not favoritism.” Once referring to Diddy as a “good friend” and even hosting him on The Apprentice, their relationship appears strained — another example of Trump’s unpredictable decision-making when personal ties and political rivalries collide.
As the October sentencing date nears, all eyes remain on whether Donald Trump will issue a pardon — a move that would ignite political, legal, and cultural debates at the highest level.