Trump Declines Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Pardon Request
Former US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not grant a presidential pardon to music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently serving a prison sentence for prostitution-related offences.
In an interview published this week with The New York Times, Trump acknowledged receiving a letter from Combs in which the 56‑year‑old Bad Boy Records founder formally requested clemency. However, the former president said he is not planning to intervene in the case and will not issue a pardon.
Combs was convicted in July 2025 on two counts of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution and sentenced to a 50‑month federal prison term. He was acquitted of more serious charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
Trump’s decision ends months of speculation over whether his past personal relationship with the entertainment star might influence clemency for the hip‑hop figure. The two were once photographed together and publicly on friendly terms before Trump entered politics.
According to Trump, the relationship between the former president and Combs deteriorated after political disagreements, which has made issuing a pardon “more difficult”. Trump also indicated that his record on pardons will not include Combs, or several other high‑profile individuals currently serving sentences.
With Trump’s stance firm, Combs is expected to serve the remainder of his sentence, with an anticipated release date in mid‑2028, accounting for time already served and potential reductions for good behaviour.
His legal team is pursuing an appeal, but analysts have noted overturning the convictions will be challenging. Meanwhile, public reaction to the pardon decision has been mixed, with some commentators pointing to Trump’s broader clemency record as a factor in the controversy.