The trial involving Diddy has captured global attention, and recently, Donald Trump shared his thoughts when asked if he might consider granting the rapper a pardon.
Since assuming office this year, Donald Trump has issued several pardons, one of which went to the reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley. Recently, he was questioned about the possibility of extending a pardon to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who is currently facing trial.
Combs, aged 55, faces accusations of racketeering and sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, along with other charges. He has denied these allegations, maintaining a plea of not guilty.
As the trial has progressed over the past few weeks, several witnesses have provided their testimonies. Among them are his former girlfriend, Casandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura, who has claimed Combs was physically abusive during their relationship, his ex-assistant Capricorn Clark, and artist Kid Cudi.
During a press briefing at the White House on Friday (May 30), Trump was questioned about the trial and the possibility of him pardoning Combs.
Trump did not dismiss the potential of a pardon, stating: “Nobody’s asked. But I know people are thinking about it. I know they’re thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking.
“First of all, I’d look at what’s happening, and I haven’t been watching it too closely, although it’s certainly getting a lot of coverage.
“I haven’t seen him. I haven’t spoken to him in years.”
The reporter pointed out that in 2012, Trump referred to Diddy as a ‘good friend’ during The Celebrity Apprentice. However, Trump indicated that his political ventures might have strained their friendship, noting ‘some little bit nasty statements in the paper all of a sudden’.
“He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics, sort of, that relationship busted up from what I read…you become a much different person when you run for politics and you do what’s right…our country’s doing really well because of what we’re doing.” Trump stated.
“I could do other things and I am sure he would like me to and im sure other people would like me to but it wouldn’t be as good for the country.
“Our country is doing really well because of what we are doing, so it is not a popularity contest, I would certainly look into the facts.”
He concluded: “I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”