Can Trump Pardon Diddy After His Federal Conviction?

The recent conviction of Sean “Diddy” Combs has reignited speculation about whether he might receive a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. Diddy, 55, was acquitted on the most severe federal accusations, including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, yet he was found guilty on two counts related to prostitution. Trump's history of pardoning figures from the music and entertainment world, particularly towards the end of his first term, adds a layer of intrigue to the situation.

During his final days in office, Trump granted pardons to rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black for various offenses, and he continued this trend into May 2025 by pardoning NBA YoungBoy, along with commuting the sentence of Larry Hoover. Furthermore, Trump pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, reality TV stars serving time for tax evasion and fraud, highlighting his willingness to consider pardons for high-profile personality figures. Additionally, in 2020, Angela Stanton-King, known for her connection to BET's From the Bottom Up, received a pardon after serving time for involvement in a stolen car operation.

Trump has the constitutional authority to grant pardons for federal offenses, meaning he could potentially consider Diddy for clemency. However, such a move would be contentious due to the serious nature of the allegations Diddy faces. When asked about the possibility of a pardon in a press briefing, Trump indicated he would review the situation if approached, but mentioned he had not been in contact with Diddy for years, speculating that their relationship soured following his political rise.

In a conversation while incarcerated, music mogul Suge Knight insinuated that Diddy possessed influential connections that might benefit him in this legal predicament. Knight expressed confidence that Diddy would receive “leeway” from the government, suggesting a belief that Trump would ultimately consider pardoning him if necessary.

Conversely, rapper 50 Cent publicly weighed in on the issue, asserting that Diddy’s previous criticisms of Trump might hinder his chances for a pardon. He indicated a desire to convey his feelings to Trump, stating that the former president may not react favorably to perceived disrespect.

On the legal front, attorney Tony Buzbee, representing numerous plaintiffs with civil claims against Diddy, expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of a pardon. He asserted that he does not envision Trump granting clemency to Diddy, suggesting that any discussions about pardoning him are unlikely to materialize.