Donald Trump reveals plans about presidential pardon for Diddy

The US president acknowledged receiving a letter from Combs who is serving a 50-month sentence in Fort Dix

Donald Trump has said he is not considering granting a presidential pardon to Sean “Diddy” Combs, as the music executive continues to serve a federal prison sentence in New Jersey.

The US president confirmed that Combs had written to him seeking clemency but indicated that the request would not be approved.

Combs is currently serving a 50-month sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution Fort Dix after being found guilty of sex trafficking charges in July 2025. He was acquitted on separate charges of racketeering and sex trafficking conspiracy. His legal team has since appealed the conviction, arguing that the sentence was unjust.

Speaking to the New York Times on Thursday, Trump acknowledged receiving a letter from Combs but said he “is not considering granting” a pardon. The remarks have tempered speculation that the rapper and fashion entrepreneur could be included in a future round of presidential clemency.

Despite the apparent refusal, Trump has previously spoken favourably about Combs. However, the president has suggested that their relationship changed after Combs publicly criticised his first presidency. 

According to the New York Times, Trump indicated that Combs’s criticism has made a pardon “more difficult to do”. The comments suggest that political tensions may have influenced Trump’s stance on the request.

Combs remains incarcerated while his appeal proceeds, and there has been no indication from the White House or Trump’s representatives that the position on a pardon is likely to change in the near future.