U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing the option of granting a presidential pardon to music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was recently found partially guilty in a federal sex-trafficking case in New York.
According to a report by Deadline, discussions within Trump’s inner circle have intensified over the possibility of clemency for Combs, ahead of his scheduled sentencing on October 3, 2025. Combs, founder of Bad Boy Records and a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, faces a potential two to three-year sentence in federal prison following a partial conviction by a New York jury earlier this month.
Sources revealed that several of Combs’ allies have been lobbying the White House to secure a pardon. Although the decision is yet to be finalized, the matter has reportedly gained momentum since the verdict was delivered on July 2. Despite these efforts, a White House spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the existence of a pardon request, stating, “The White House will not comment on the existence or nonexistence of any clemency request.”
Combs has been held without bail at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since his arrest in September 2024. Multiple requests for a $50 million bond were denied. If sentenced to the maximum term under federal guidelines, the rapper could receive up to three years behind bars—though time already served would be credited.
His legal team, led by high-profile attorneys Marc Agnifilo and Teny Gerago, is expected to appeal the conviction immediately after sentencing.
Notably, Trump had hinted at a potential pardon even before the verdict was announced. At a May 30 event, Trump stated he would “certainly look at the facts” in any case where he believed an individual was mistreated—regardless of personal politics.
While the two once shared a friendly public relationship, with Trump calling Combs a “good friend” in 2012, their rapport soured during Trump’s presidency. Combs later became an outspoken critic and endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election.
The eight-week trial concluded with Combs being acquitted of the most severe charges filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, but his partial conviction has placed his future in legal uncertainty.
As public debate around the possible pardon grows, legal experts and political observers are watching closely to see whether Trump will follow through with the controversial move.
