On May 30, 2025, President Donald Trump stated he would consider pardoning Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently on trial in Manhattan for federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering. Trump emphasized that he would review the facts before making any decision, noting that he had not been closely following the developments and had not communicated with Combs in years .vanguardngr.com+8nypost.com+8businessinsider.com+8businessinsider.com+2timesofindia.indiatimes.com+2nypost.com+2
Combs, 55, was arrested in September 2024 and has been held without bail pending trial. Federal prosecutors allege that Combs exploited his power in the music industry to coerce women into participating in drug-fueled sexual events. Witnesses have testified to Combs personally assaulting victims, though he has pleaded not guilty and maintains his conduct does not constitute sex trafficking .nypost.combusinessinsider.com
Trump acknowledged a past friendship with Combs that ended when he entered politics. He stated that any decision on a pardon would be based on fairness and justice, regardless of whether the individual involved had a favorable opinion of him .newsweek.com+3businessinsider.com+3news.com.au+3timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The possibility of a pardon has sparked debate. Kanye West publicly urged Trump to pardon Combs, taking to his X page to appeal to the U.S. President: “@realDonaldTrump, please free my brother, Puff” . However, Combs’ former bodyguard, Gene Deal, expressed skepticism, citing Combs’ past criticisms of Trump and suggesting that the former president may not be inclined to help someone who has spoken negatively about him .news.com.au+6guardian.ng+6herald.ng+6sportskeeda.com+3newsweek.com+3tribune.com.pk+3
As the trial continues, the question of whether Trump will grant a pardon remains open, hinging on the outcome of the legal proceedings and the evidence presented.
