Donald Trump is as soon as once more addressing the opportunity of granting a presidential pardon to Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Throughout a Friday (Aug. 1) interview on Newsmax’s Finnerty, the president was requested whether or not he would take into account pardoning Combs following his latest federal conviction. In early July, the Dangerous Boy Data mogul was discovered responsible of transportation with intent to have interaction in prostitution, although he was acquitted of extra severe fees, together with intercourse trafficking and racketeering.
“Effectively, he was primarily, I assume, kind of half-innocent,” Trump instructed host Rob Finnerty. “He’s nonetheless in jail or one thing, however he was celebrating a victory. However I assume it wasn’t nearly as good of a victory.”
Trump additionally mirrored on his previous relationship with Combs, noting they had been as soon as “very pleasant” and that he “received together with him nice.” Nonetheless, he stated that dynamic shifted when he entered politics, describing Combs as having develop into “very hostile.”
This isn’t the primary time Trump has commented on the case. Throughout an Oval Workplace press briefing in late Might, he was requested by Fox Information’ Peter Doocy whether or not he would take into account a pardon for Combs. On the time, Trump stated he’d “have a look at the information,” acknowledging their former rapport whereas insisting private emotions wouldn’t affect his determination.
“I haven’t spoken to him in years,” Trump stated. “He used to actually like me loads. I believe once I ran for politics, that relationship busted up. … I would definitely have a look at the information. If I believe anyone was mistreated, whether or not they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any influence on me.”
Combs’ partial acquittal adopted seven weeks of testimony, together with statements from singer Cassie Ventura, who accused him of abuse and trafficking throughout their relationship. Combs has denied all allegations. He now faces as much as 20 years in jail, with sentencing scheduled for Oct. 3.
Watch Trump’s full response on Finnerty about pardoning Diddy in a clip posted on X.
