Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is currently under trial on charges of racketeering, s-x trafficking by force, and transportation for purposes of prostitution. His trial began on May 5 and is likely to conclude by June end. If he is found guilty, he could face life in prison. So far, the testimonies given in court incriminate Diddy for the charges he is being tried. However, one question that lingers in everyone’s mind is—Can Diddy walk away without punishment?
Ideally, a convicted felon can’t walk away free unless they complete their sentence. But the only hack is a presidential pardon. Within four months as the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump has issued pardons and commutations for several convicted fraudsters and criminals. This includes Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were imprisoned after being sentenced in 2022 on bank fraud and tax evasion charges.
I bet. #trumpdiddy pic.twitter.com/srymHD29UO
— Octopus Lawyer (@octopuslawyer8) September 21, 2024
Trump also pardoned former Rep. Michael Grimm of New York, who had pleaded guilty in 2014 to tax fraud and related charges. Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, who was convicted of wire fraud and extortion, was also pardoned. And, of course, on his first day as the President, he issued a proclamation that granted clemency to those convicted in the 2006 Capitol attack case.
So when a case such as Diddy’s makes national headlines, the doubts are obvious, especially because of their alleged connection that dates back to the 90s when they both were high-profile businessmen in New York and probably shared the same social circle at some point. They were also photographed together on several occasions.
No #TrumpDiddy hoax here- pic.twitter.com/c5OFiSJj4x
— Gary Hall (@southerntails1) November 12, 2024
When asked if Diddy’s troubles could go away if Trump pardons him, Brian Kalt, law professor at Michigan State University College of Law, said, “Yes, it could.”
In a chat with USA Today, he explained that Trump would be within his presidential rights to extend a preemptive pardon to the disgraced rapper. Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the Constitution gives the US president “power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offenses against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.”
Kalt said, “These are federal charges (against Combs), so that’s the main limit. The matter has be federal, it has to be criminal vs. civil, and related to something that’s already been done. But the person doesn’t have to even be charged yet, or convicted. The Supreme Court has said preemptive pardons are OK.”
Kalt said that the power of pardon is inspired by the British monarch’s historic right, and the reason was because the criminal laws were generally too harsh, and it was considered important to have a safety valve. “The president was the best person to be that safety valve because of his political accountability,” Kalt added.
But pardoning comes with its own baggage. When President Gerald Ford pardoned disgraced President Richard Nixon, it didn’t go well as it “probably cost Ford re-election in 1976,” Kalt explained.
Therefore, Presidents are often seen pardoning at the end of their terms to avoid any political fallouts. That’s what Joe Biden did before leaving office. He pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, who was convicted of federal gun felonies and federal tax charges. Donald Trump, at the end of his first term, granted clemency to political allies such as Roger Stone.
However, in his second term, Trump has been issuing pardons since his first day in office, which indicates that he is not bothered about its eventual consequences on his political career. And it’s pretty obvious, too, because Trump is 78 years old and has already been elected as the President of the US twice. The Constitution won’t allow him to run for a third term, although he has repeatedly expressed his desire for the same.
Selling pardons is trump’s business, and business is good. pic.twitter.com/akZJbV89H9
— 😱 Scary Larry 😱 🇺🇦✊🏻🇺🇸🗽 (@aintscarylarry) May 27, 2025
Kalt said, “With pardons, you don’t need Congress, you wave your magic wand and it happens. You can see the appeal for a president, particularly one like Trump.”
It remains a mystery if Trump would wave his magic wand to help Diddy in times of crisis or leave him to his fate because once upon a time, Diddy betrayed Trump and endorsed his rival, Joe Biden. And we all know, Trump doesn’t forget the betrayals.
