Trump admits that Diddy wrote him a letter, but he denies that he will be pardoned
Donald Trump is once again dismissing any speculation about stepping in to assist Diddy as the music mogul navigates his legal battle from behind bars.
In a two-hour interview with reporters from the New York Times on January 7, Trump was questioned about various high-profile inmates and the possibility of granting pardons. When Diddy’s name was mentioned, Trump acknowledged that the Bad Boy Records founder had sought clemency, but emphasized that he does not intend to grant it.
“He requested a pardon,” Trump stated, clarifying that the request was made “through a letter.” When asked about the timing of the letter’s dispatch, Trump playfully responded to reporters, saying, “Oh, would you like to see that letter?” but ultimately chose not to reveal it.
Trump has addressed the situation before. In October, he informed reporters in the Oval Office that the Bad Boy founder had sought a pardon while serving a 50-month sentence in New Jersey and was actively appealing both his conviction and sentence. A White House spokesperson dismissed rumors regarding any potential sentence reduction, stating to USA TODAY that there was “zero truth” to claims that Trump was contemplating commuting Diddy’s sentence.
Trump has openly discussed his difficult relationship with Diddy. During an August interview with Newsmax host Rob Finnerty, he remarked that the rapper’s public criticism during Trump’s first term had a significant impact.
“I was quite close to him.” I got along with him very well; he appeared to be a pleasant person. “I didn’t know him well, but during my campaign for office, he was quite antagonistic,” Trump stated. When questioned about the likelihood of a pardon, he responded, “I’d say so.”
Combs’ legal issues arise from a jury verdict on July 2, which found him guilty on two counts related to transportation for the purpose of engaging in prostitution with former partners Casandra “Cassie” Ventura Fine and another woman referred to as Jane. He was found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking charges, yet the convictions were sufficient to result in decades of imprisonment.
