Donald Trump is reportedly “seriously considering” pardoning Sean “Diddy” Combs.
On September 17, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York issued a press briefing announcing the arrest of Sean “Diddy” Combs. The infamous music producer was charged in a three-count indictment with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
“As alleged in the Indictment, for years, Sean Combs used the business empire he controlled to sexually abuse and exploit women, as well as to commit other acts of violence and obstruction of justice,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said. “Today, he is charged with racketeering and sex trafficking offenses. If you have been a victim of Combs’ alleged abuse – or if you know anything about his alleged crimes – we urge you to come forward. This investigation is far from over.”
Eight months after the arrest, Combs stood trial and was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution on two counts. However, he was found not guilty on the following charges: racketeering and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. After receiving the verdict, Combs returned to the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Brooklyn, New York, as he awaits sentencing in October. His attorneys did push for a conditional release as he awaits sentencing, but the motion was denied.
Each count of transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of ten years. However, most legal experts do not expect Combs to receive a sentence near the maximum.
“It sounds like the prosecution is going to be arguing for something potentially over the midline, over five years,” Loyola Law School Professor Jessica A. Levinson told CBS News.
As it turns out, Combs may not spend time in prison after October. Back in May, Donald Trump said he would “certainly look at the facts” if he were to consider pardoning Combs despite the music mogul’s past comments about him and his administration.
“I would certainly look at the facts if I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me,” Trump said. “It wouldn’t have any impact on me.”
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Dominic Patten of Deadline published a report indicating an administration source says Trump is “seriously considering” pardoning Combs. However, it’s unclear when he would make a decision.
