Will Trump Pardon Sean “Diddy” Combs?

On July 2, 2025, Combs was convicted on two counts of transportation for prostitution under the Mann Act—but acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges. Sentencing is scheduled for October 2025

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Reports emerged as of July 30, 2025, that Trump was “seriously considering” a pardon—though no official commitment has been made

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Trump’s office is reportedly awaiting the outcome of a bail hearing before making any decision—if bail is granted, a pardon may be delayed until after sentencing

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Trump described Diddy as “sort of half innocent,” highlighting uncertainty. He also pointed to their strained relationship—once friendly, later hostile—as a complicating factor

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Analysts and media commentators warn that pardoning Diddy could alienate female voters and echo controversial precedents in Trump’s clemency record

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Their friendship declined after Diddy endorsed Trump’s 2020 rival Biden. Trump cited this hostility as reason to lean against clemency

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Despite speculation, Trump appears more inclined to decline a pardon—citing the verdict mix, public perception risks, and their personal rift

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