President Donald Trump has recently signaled a decreased likelihood of pardoning music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, who was convicted on two federal counts of transportation to engage in prostitution on July 2, 2025. Trump's latest remarks, as reported by various media outlets, indicate a shift from earlier statements suggesting he would consider the matter. Combs remains incarcerated, having been denied bail by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, as he awaits sentencing.
The verdict in New York found Combs guilty of two Mann Act violations, which prohibit transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. Crucially, the jury acquitted him of the more severe charges of sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, sparing him from a potential life sentence. Despite these acquittals, Combs faces up to 10 years in prison for each of the two prostitution counts, and Judge Subramanian cited evidence of violent acts during the trial as grounds for denying bail.
Trump's initial comments on a potential pardon, made in May 2025, suggested an openness to "look at the facts" if he believed Combs was "mistreated," regardless of political alignment. This stance reflected a complex, decades-long relationship between the two, with Trump having publicly referred to Combs as a "good friend." However, Combs had become a prominent critic of Trump during his first presidential term, notably endorsing Joe Biden in 2020 and stating that "white men like Trump need to be banished."
In a recent interview, Trump appeared to directly address Combs' past criticisms, stating that while they were "very friendly" previously, Combs became "very hostile" when he ran for office. This, Trump indicated, made a pardon "more difficult." When pressed if it was "more likely a no" for a pardon, Trump responded, "I'd say so," underscoring the personal and political factors influencing his decision-making regarding clemency.
A presidential pardon, if issued, would only apply to Combs' federal convictions, leaving him susceptible to any ongoing civil lawsuits or potential state-level charges. Combs' legal team had reportedly explored avenues for a pardon, with some sources indicating efforts to engage with individuals close to the Trump administration. Combs is scheduled for sentencing in October, with prosecutors suggesting a prison term ranging from 51 to 63 months for his convictions.