Trump’s Vague Pardon Talk on Diddy Sparks Outrage Amid Sex Trafficking Allegations

Trump's Chilling Response on Possibly Pardoning Diddy Raises Alarms

When asked whether he would consider pardoning Sean "Diddy" Combs—his self-described former “good friend” now facing serious allegations of sex trafficking—Donald Trump delivered a disturbing and evasive answer that suggested sympathy for the accused and raised new questions about his abuse of presidential pardon powers.

Fox News reporter Peter Doocy broached the subject:

“Back when you hosted The Apprentice, you said in 2012 that Diddy was a good friend. He’s now in serious legal trouble. Would you ever consider pardoning him?”

Trump’s response was deeply unsettling:

“Well, nobody's asked. You had to be the one to ask, Peter. But I know people are thinking about it. I know they’re thinking about it.”

He chuckled, adding, “I think some people have been very close to asking.” He then claimed he wasn’t closely following the case but acknowledged the extensive media coverage.

“I haven’t seen him, haven’t spoken to him in years,” he said. “He used to really like me. I think that changed when I ran for politics.”

Trump went on to suggest that political opposition ended their friendship:

“You become a different person when you do what's right. I could do other things and people would like me more, but it wouldn’t be good for our country.”

And then came the most alarming part:

“I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated—whether they like me or don’t like me—that wouldn’t have any impact.”

The idea that Diddy has been “mistreated” is not supported by any known facts. Trump’s casual suggestion otherwise is an insult to Diddy’s alleged victims. A responsible response would have been a clear and firm “no.” Instead, Trump is laying groundwork for yet another politically charged pardon.

This comes amid long-standing accusations that Trump has used the pardon power for personal gain. His broad clemency of January 6th insurrectionists showed he treats this authority more like a political tool than a solemn responsibility.

Diddy’s former assistant, David James, testified in court that Trump hotels were his boss’s favorite. “Trump International, they knew me very well—they gave me a key,” James said, adding he was responsible for delivering Diddy's “supplies” to properties around the world. He also alleged that Diddy kept a blackmail video of him, involving drugs and alcohol, to ensure his silence.

Trump has publicly praised Diddy in the past, calling him a "good friend" and someone he “loves.” Meanwhile, incarcerated rap mogul Suge Knight has predicted that Trump will pardon Diddy if convicted, prompting speculation that Diddy may possess compromising material on Trump or his associates.

If such a pardon comes to pass, it would mark a new low for Trump—a man who is already a court-confirmed sexual abuser and has long-standing ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Republicans continue to claim they want to root out sex trafficking. Yet time and again, they back men who appear indifferent—or worse—to the gravity of these crimes.

Birds of a predatory feather flock together.