*In a recent Newsmax interview with Rob Finnerty, President Donald Trump addressed the possibility of pardoning Sean “Diddy” Combs, who was acquitted of major charges in a federal sex-crimes trial last month.
When asked, “Would you consider pardoning him?” Trump didn’t commit but noted that Combs’ negative remarks about him complicate the decision, USA Today reports.
“You know, I was very friendly with him, I got along with him great, seemed like a nice guy,” Trump said, adding, “But when you knew someone and you were fine and then you run for office and he made some terrible statements… it makes it more difficult to do.”
Trump referenced Combs’ 2017 remarks in The Daily Beast, where he said, “The tomfoolery that’s going on in D.C., that’s just regular everyday business to Black folks,” dismissing Trump’s relevance to Black communities. When Finnerty noted Combs’ critical comments, Trump acknowledged, “Yeah, and it’s hard. You know, like you, we’re human beings and we don’t like to have things cloud our judgement, right?”
He leaned toward declining a pardon, affirming, “I’d say so,” when asked if it was “more likely a no.”
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On May 30, Trump noted in the Oval Office, “Nobody’s asked” about a Combs pardon, though he sensed interest. Conservative host Megyn Kelly, however, urged against it on July 30 via X, stating, “Trump should not pardon Diddy” due to his actions and public sentiment.
Combs faced trial for nearly two months, with jurors finding him not guilty on July 2 of racketeering and sex trafficking charges involving ex-girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura Fine and another woman, referred to as “Jane.” After six weeks of intense testimony, a jury convicted Combs on one count of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted him on graver charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy. Ventura and “Jane” testified about alleged abuse and manipulation, painting a troubling picture of Combs’ relationships.
The 54-year-old, jailed since September 2024, awaits sentencing in October while his lawyers work to overturn the convictions. Combs faces up to 20 years in prison for the two prostitution-related counts. Prosecutors have suggested a four-year sentence, though an appeal is anticipated. Sources note that Diddy’s participation in rehabilitation programs may reflect a strategic move to demonstrate remorse to the court.
Combs’ legal team filed for acquittal or a new trial on July 31, per court documents reviewed by USA TODAY.
Meanwhile, 50 Cent is continuing his public digs at the Bad Boy founder. His latest swipe came after Trump dismissed rumors that he planned to pardon Diddy.
50 Cent posted on Instagram: “I told you i was gonna tell him what you said Brother Love. Now don’t forget all the Nasty things you said ?LOL” and followed with, “Can you believe he thought he was getting pardoned. No Sir, you are not. You said very nasty things… Gloating ?feels negative, I simply said Trump’s not gonna like the Nasty things he said ?.”
Judging by his posts, 50 has no intention of easing up on his taunts.
