Former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering granting a presidential pardon to hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, pending the outcome of a bail decision tied to Combs’ recent federal conviction. Sources close to the Trump camp told Deadline and TMZ that the former president is “seriously” weighing the pardon, especially if Diddy is denied bail ahead of his scheduled sentencing on October 3. The rap entrepreneur was recently convicted of violating the Mann Act, a century-old federal law used in prosecuting prostitution-related crimes, although he was acquitted of the more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges.
On Tuesday, Combs’ legal team submitted a new $50 million bail proposal, emphasizing that many defendants convicted under the Mann Act are typically allowed to remain free pending sentencing. The proposal seeks to secure the Bad Boy Records founder’s release as he awaits judgment. Trump’s potential decision on clemency, insiders say, will be influenced by whether Judge Arun Subramanian grants the rapper bail. If the judge rules in Combs’ favor, Trump may delay the decision until sentencing; if bail is denied, Trump could move to act immediately.
The case has reportedly struck a personal chord with Trump, who believes Combs—like himself—has been unfairly targeted by federal authorities. Both men share a history in New York’s elite circles, and Trump once described Combs as a “good friend” during a 2012 episode of The Apprentice. Though the relationship reportedly cooled when Trump entered politics, the former president said earlier this year he would consider a pardon if he believed there was any miscarriage of justice.
Back in May, Trump told reporters he hadn’t been formally approached by Diddy’s legal team regarding a pardon but acknowledged growing public conversation around the idea. “I would certainly look at the facts if I think somebody was mistreated,” Trump said. “Whether they like me or don’t like me, that doesn’t matter.”
Combs, facing up to 20 years in prison, continues to battle legal and public scrutiny while maintaining his innocence. The outcome of the bail ruling and Trump’s decision could play a critical role in shaping the next chapter of the music mogul’s legal saga.
