UPDATE: President Donald Trump has officially denied Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ request for a pardon, marking a significant turn in the rapper’s ongoing legal battle. During a revealing two-hour interview with New York Times reporters on January 7, 2025, Trump confirmed he has no intention of intervening, despite Combs’ heartfelt plea for clemency.
This decision comes as a blow to Combs, who is currently serving a 50-year sentence in New Jersey after being convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The jury’s split verdict followed a grueling trial that began on July 2, 2025. While Combs was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking charges, the guilty verdict has left him fighting to have both the conviction and sentencing overturned.
Trump revealed that he received a personal letter from Combs requesting a pardon, saying, “Oh, would you like to see that letter?” but ultimately decided against taking any action. The President stated that past grievances play a role in his decision, citing a “hostile” relationship that developed during his first term. “I didn’t know him well, but when I ran for office he was very hostile,” Trump remarked in an interview with Newsmax host Rob Finnerty on August 1. He added that Combs’ previous criticisms made it “more difficult” to consider the pardon.
Despite speculation that Trump might shorten Combs’ sentence, a White House spokesperson confirmed on October 21, 2025, that there was “zero truth” to these rumors. The spokesperson emphasized that only the President has the authority to grant pardons, making it clear that the door is now firmly shut on any hopes Combs might have had for relief.
As Combs remains incarcerated, the music mogul’s legal team is expected to appeal the conviction. The outcome of this high-profile case continues to resonate within both the music industry and the political landscape, drawing attention to the intersection of celebrity culture and the justice system.
With Trump’s decisive remarks making headlines, the narrative surrounding Combs’ legal woes is far from over. Fans and followers are left wondering what implications this will have for the rapper’s future and whether any other avenues for relief might emerge.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as Combs seeks to overturn his conviction while navigating the fallout from Trump’s refusal to intervene.
