Music Mogul Diddy Could See Sentence Reduced—Thanks to Trump

Sean “Diddy” Combs, one of hip-hop’s most successful entrepreneurs, may have another potential ally in former President Donald Trump. Trump took questions from Newsmax’s Finnerty on Friday, August 1, and a reporter asked him about a possible presidential pardon for the rapper and music mogul, who was convicted on a single federal charge last month.

The founder of Bad Boy Records was found guilty of transportation with the intent to engage in prostitution. Combs, who was also on trial for more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, was ultimately cleared of those allegations. It’s the end of a nearly seven-week trial full of testimony and drama, most notably that of singer Cassie Ventura, who accused Combs of abuse and trafficking when she was a teenager and he was her boyfriend. Combs, who has denied all allegations, has maintained his innocence throughout the trial.

Asked if he’d consider pardoning Combs, Trump sidestepped the question but said he was keeping the rapper’s situation in mind. “Well, he was essentially, I guess, sort of half-innocent,” Trump told Finnerty. “He’s still in jail or something, but he was celebrating a victory. But I guess it wasn’t as good a victory.”

Trump also brought up an old relationship he and Combs used to share, though he hinted that it wasn’t the same. “We were very friendly. I got along with him great,” Trump said. “He used to like me a lot. I think when I ran for politics, that relationship busted up. … I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”

Pardon Rumors Aren’t New

In May, Trump responded to a reporter for Fox News who asked if he was open to the possibility of a pardon for Combs. Trump, sitting in the Oval Office before a press briefing, had not changed his stance at the time. He reiterated that he would need to “look at the facts” but that he wouldn’t pardon anyone he did not think deserved one. He also didn’t think his feelings about someone would impact his judgment.

“I haven’t spoken to him in years,” Trump said, responding to a question from White House reporter Peter Doocy. “We had a very good relationship for some time. But, again, I would make that decision based on what I thought about the case.”

Combs’ legal troubles are ongoing, but have now entered a new phase as the convicted felon awaits sentencing on October 3. Combs was convicted in federal court of one of the charges levied against him in a case that has raged for much of the year. His two most serious charges, sex trafficking and racketeering, were thrown out in July. The remaining charge, transportation with intent to engage in prostitution, is still punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

In the high-profile case that has drawn in not just the music and entertainment industries, but the courts and the US president, much was made of the relationship between Trump and Combs. The two famously worked together in the past and had a great relationship. But as Trump points out, when he entered the political sphere, things began to sour.

The political climate isn’t the only subject the former president discussed in the interview. Trump was also asked about a range of political topics, as well as social issues and questions about his potential re-election bid. Trump has yet to formally announce his 2024 candidacy, but speculation is rampant about whether he will step back on the political stage again.

It’s unclear if Trump will issue a pardon for Combs, who still has several months before he is officially sentenced on his conviction. For the time being, those interested in the verdict have been offered a few more details on Trump’s thinking by his comments to Finnerty. But what remains clear is that the former president is keeping an eye on the case and Combs’ status.

“He was celebrating a victory,” Trump said of the Bad Boy Records founder’s status. “But I guess it wasn’t as good a victory.”

A clip of Trump’s full comments from his interview with Finnerty was posted to X (formerly Twitter) Friday afternoon and has since been met with a range of reactions from politicians, legal analysts, and hip-hop fans alike. The possibility of a pardon remains, but until sentencing arrives, it will remain a talking point.