President Trump confirmed that members of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ circle reached out to request a presidential pardon — but said he’s “not inclined” to grant one.
Speaking to reporters outside Mar-a-Lago, Trump said he would “take a look” and consult with the Department of Justice, but hinted that Combs’ high-profile legal troubles and previous criticism of him could weigh heavily against approval. “I don’t know. We’ll see. He’s said some things — not so nice things — but I’ll look at it,” Trump told reporters.
Combs, who is currently serving time following a conviction on prostitution-related charges, has denied personally requesting clemency. His legal team told People that “neither Mr. Combs nor his attorneys have made any formal request for a pardon,” though others “close to him” reportedly made inquiries on his behalf.
The conflicting accounts have fueled another media storm around the embattled music mogul, who has been under intense scrutiny since his conviction. Trump, meanwhile, has been fielding multiple high-profile pardon questions — including one related to Ghislaine Maxwell — reigniting debate over his controversial clemency record.
If granted, a pardon for Diddy would mark one of Trump’s most contentious moves yet. Critics argue that such a decision would signal favoritism toward celebrity figures, while allies say it shows the former president’s willingness to entertain requests from all corners.
For now, Trump appears to be signaling hesitation. “He’s asked. People have asked,” he said. “But I’m leaning toward no.”
Between the Lines
Trump’s response hits two familiar notes: tease the possibility, then retreat to plausible distance. It’s a move that keeps him at the center of the story — and forces Diddy’s camp to keep reacting. Whether this was a serious request or simply a signal flare from Diddy’s inner circle, one thing’s certain: the intersection of fame, politics, and power isn’t cooling off anytime soon.
