Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial has captured global attention—and now former President Donald Trump has weighed in after being asked whether he would consider granting the rapper a pardon.
Since returning to the presidency earlier this year, Trump has issued several pardons, including a recent one for reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley. During a White House press conference on Friday (May 30), he was questioned about the ongoing case against Combs and whether a pardon might be on the table.
Combs, 55, faces serious charges including racketeering and sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion. He has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty.
The trial, which began several weeks ago, has featured testimony from multiple witnesses, including his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura—who has accused him of physical abuse—former assistant Capricorn Clark, and fellow artist Kid Cudi, among others.
Trump said the pair haven’t spoken in years (JOE SCHILDHORN/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
Trump did not rule out the possibility of a pardon, as he said: “Nobody’s asked. But I know people are thinking about it. I know they’re thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking.
“First of all, I’d look at what’s happening, and I haven’t been watching it too closely, although it’s certainly getting a lot of coverage.
“I haven’t seen him. I haven’t spoken to him in years.”
The reporter noted that back in 2012, Trump had previously said on The Celebrity Apprentice that Diddy was a ‘good friend’ of his; however, the businessman added that his decision to run for politics may have impacted their relationship as he’d read ‘some little bit nasty statements in the paper all of a sudden’.
“He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics, sort of, that relationship busted up from what I read…you become a much different person when you run for politics and you do what’s right…our country’s doing really well because of what we’re doing.” Trump said.
“I could do other things and I am sure he would like me to and im sure other people would like me to but it wouldn’t be as good for the country.
“Our country is doing really well because of what we are doing, so it is not a popularity contest, I would certainly look into the facts.”
He added: “I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”
