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Trump ruled out pardoning Combs due to past criticism but showed openness to pardoning Santos, citing loyalty. Combs was sentenced for transporting women for prostitution.
US President Donald Trump. (AFP photo)
US President Donald Trump, in an earlier interview, ruled out the possibility of pardoning music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, citing the artist’s past criticism during the 2016 campaign. However, the US President indicated that he was open to considering a pardon for former Republican congressman George Santos due to his loyalty.
Trump’s August statement has once again sparked public debate over how his pardon decisions seem influenced by personal loyalty.
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On October 3, Combs, once a close associate of Trump, was sentenced to four years and two months in prison by a federal judge. He was convicted in July on two counts of transporting women for prostitution. The hip-hop mogul had faced up to 10 years in prison for each of the two counts and was taken into custody in September 2024.
According to a CNN report, the judge acknowledged the seriousness of the crimes but told Combs there was “light at the end of the tunnel.”
Speculation around a potential presidential pardon for Combs had circulated for months. But during an August 2025 interview with Newsmax, Trump dismissed the idea.
“I was very friendly with him. I got along with him great. But when I ran for office, he was very hostile,” he said. Upon being asked if that meant the answer was “no,” he replied, “I would say so, yeah.”
Trump admitted his decision was influenced by personal feelings, saying, “We don’t like to have things cloud our judgment, right? But when you knew someone and you were fine, and then you ran for office, and he made some terrible statements. It makes it more difficult. I’m being honest, it makes it more difficult to do.”
In contrast, he showed interest in a potential pardon for George Santos, who was convicted on multiple fraud charges. “You know, he lied. But he was 100% for Trump,” he said, adding, “With him, I have the right to do it. Nobody’s asked me, but it’s interesting.”
About the Author
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18…Read More
Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manisha.Roy@nw18… Read More
New York, United States of America (USA)
October 04, 2025, 21:07 IST
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