Donald Trump suggested on Friday that he is open to pardoning Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs if the rapper is convicted in his federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial.
Combs is charged with two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and one count of racketeering.
If convicted Combs could face up to life in prison on the racketeering charge. The sex trafficking charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, and the charges of transporting to engage in prostitution has a maximum sentence of 10 years.
During a press conference in the Oval Office Trump said he hasn’t been approached about pardoning Diddy, but didn’t rule it out when asked by Fox News reporter Peter Doocy if he is considering the move.
“Well, nobody’s asked. I know people are thinking about it,” he said.
Trump added that Combs “used to really like me a lot” but he believes their relationship soured after Trump got involved in politics.
“You become a much different person when you run for politics and you do what’s right,” Trump said. “I could do other things, and I’m sure he’d like me, and I’m sure other people would like me, but it wouldn’t be as good for our country.”
“I would certainly look at the facts,” Trump added. “If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”
Since returning to office Trump has issued several controversial pardons or commutations to people he claims were mistreated by the justice system.
