Could rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs receive a presidential pardon from Donald Trump? The former U.S. president isn’t ruling it out, but he’s also not promising anything just yet.
Speaking to reporters on Friday afternoon, Trump responded to a question from Fox News’ Peter Doocy about whether he’d consider granting Diddy a pardon if asked. His answer? Maybe, but only if it’s deserved.
“It’s not a popularity contest,” Trump said. “If I think somebody was mistreated, I would look at it.”
No Request Yet, But People Are Talking
Trump made it clear that, so far, no official request for a pardon has been made on Diddy’s behalf. Still, he suggested the idea is being floated around.
“I know that they’re thinking about it. I think people have been very close to asking,” he shared.
Even though he hasn’t been following Diddy’s situation closely, Trump acknowledged that the story has been receiving a lot of media coverage.
“I haven’t been watching it too closely,” he said. “But it’s certainly getting a lot of coverage.”
What’s the History between Trump and Diddy?
When asked about their past relationship, Trump didn’t deny that they used to be on good terms.
“I haven’t seen him. I haven’t spoken to him in years,” he said. “He used to like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics… that relationship busted up.”
Trump emphasized that there was no major falling out between them, but he noticed that once he got into politics, Diddy started criticizing him in public.
Politics Changes Everything
Reflecting on his journey from businessman to politician, Trump said entering politics naturally changed how people viewed him, including old friends.
“It’s different. You become a much different person when you run for politics, and you do what’s right,” he 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.”
By Risper Akinyi