(Photo from Us Weekly Instagram)
Washington, D.C. — In a stunning political and pop culture twist, former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering issuing a pardon for embattled music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs—depending on the outcome of his pending bail decision.
According to TMZ, sources close to the situation revealed that Trump has been in direct or indirect contact with Diddy’s legal team and is “more than open” to granting a pardon. However, Trump is reportedly watching closely how federal Judge Arun Subramanian rules on Diddy’s recent bail request before taking any definitive action.
“If Diddy is granted bail, Trump plans to wait until sentencing before making a move,” TMZ reports. “But if bail is denied, Trump is expected to consider a pardon much sooner.”
The music mogul was recently acquitted of three major charges but convicted on two counts of violating the rarely-invoked Mann Act, a federal law that prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for illicit sexual activities. Legal experts have criticized the use of the law in this case, noting that it is seldom prosecuted on its own and often regarded as outdated.
The report from TMZ further suggests that Trump sees parallels between Diddy’s legal troubles and his own brushes with the U.S. justice system, particularly with what he perceives as politically motivated prosecutions. A source close to Trump told TMZ, “He believes Diddy, like himself, is being unfairly targeted by federal authorities.”
Adding to the intrigue, the lead prosecutor in Diddy’s case, Maurene Comey—daughter of former FBI Director and Trump adversary James Comey—was recently dismissed from the Department of Justice. Trump allies see this as further evidence of what they view as biased handling of the case.
Strategically, insiders believe the timing of a pardon could serve as a calculated distraction from the resurging Epstein scandal, which continues to dominate headlines and implicate several high-profile figures.
Trump and Diddy have a long, albeit complicated history. Both prominent figures in New York City’s elite circles during the late ’90s and early 2000s, they shared social space and mutual admiration. In a 2012 episode of The Apprentice, Trump publicly referred to Diddy as a “good friend.”
While no official decision has been announced, TMZ notes that Trump’s team is keeping close tabs on Diddy’s court proceedings—and the potential political payoff of a high-profile pardon may be too tempting to ignore.
As the bail decision looms, both legal and political worlds are watching closely to see whether Trump will turn a celebrity controversy into a campaign lightning rod.