Trump Hints at Possible Pardon for Diddy Amid Sex Trafficking Trial
President Donald Trump said he would “certainly look at the facts” when asked whether he’d consider pardoning Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently on trial in Manhattan for sex trafficking and related federal charges. The surprising statement came during a May 30 press conference in the Oval Office alongside Elon Musk.
“Nobody’s asked. But I know people are thinking about it,” Trump, 78, told reporters. “I haven’t been watching [the case] too closely, although it’s certainly getting a lot of coverage.”
Combs, 55, has been in federal custody since his September arrest and is being tried in New York on serious allegations, including racketeering and abuse. Despite the gravity of the charges, Trump said he hasn’t spoken to Combs in years but recalled that the rapper “used to really like me a lot.”
Trump added, “If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”
The Presidential Power to Pardon: No Congress, No Limits
Legal experts confirm that if Trump chooses to pardon Combs, there’s little stopping him. According to Brian Kalt, a law professor at Michigan State University specializing in constitutional law and presidential powers, the pardon would be legally sound.
“These are federal charges,” Kalt said. “That’s the main limit. The matter has to be criminal, not civil, and tied to something that’s already happened. But the person doesn’t even need to be charged yet — or convicted. Preemptive pardons are constitutional.”
The presidential pardon power stems from Article II of the Constitution, which gives the president broad authority to issue clemency “for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.” Kalt explains this was inherited from the British monarchy as a “safety valve” against overly harsh criminal penalties.
Trump’s Pardoning Spree: From Reality Stars to Rioters
Since returning to office in January, Trump has issued a flurry of pardons and commutations. His list includes reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, convicted of defrauding banks out of $36 million; rapper NBA YoungBoy, sentenced for weapons possession; ex-Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, convicted of corruption; and Jay Johnston, an actor and Jan. 6 Capitol rioter.
Unlike past presidents who saved pardons for their final days in office — partly to avoid political blowback — Trump has shown no hesitation about issuing clemency mid-term. “He doesn’t appear worried about the political costs,” Kalt said, noting that unlike Gerald Ford’s pardon of Nixon, which likely cost him reelection in 1976, Trump’s base remains unfazed.
Could Trump “Wave the Wand” for Diddy?
If Trump decides to pardon Combs, it would mark one of his most controversial uses of executive clemency to date. While Diddy hasn’t made a public request, Trump hinted that conversations may be happening behind the scenes.
“With pardons, you don’t need Congress,” said Kalt. “You wave your magic wand and it happens. You can see the appeal for a president — especially one like Trump.”
You can also see the appeal for someone like Diddy, whose federal trial and public reputation could be wiped clean with a single stroke of Trump’s pen. Whether that happens remains to be seen — but Trump has already left the door wide open.
