Sean “Diddy” Combs has formally petitioned President Donald Trump for clemency through a written letter, The New York Times reports. In a recent two-hour interview, Trump confirmed he received the correspondence. However, he indicated he does not intend to grant the pardon.
While rumors of such a request had circulated, Thursday’s acknowledgment marks the first official confirmation. Diddy, 56, is currently serving a 50-month sentence related to prostitution charges. The appeal has sparked public curiosity, especially given Trump’s history of high-profile pardons. These include those granted to individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol events. Former Honduran president Orlando Hernandez, sentenced to 45 years for drug trafficking, was also pardoned.
Trump confirmed the request, stating, “He asked me for a pardon,” and noted that the letter exists. However, he chose not to release it. Despite Diddy’s formal appeal, the president remains firm in his decision.
The relationship between Trump and Diddy has been complicated. Before Trump’s 2015 presidential campaign, they shared a friendly rapport. Over time, that changed. In a 2025 interview with Newsmax, Trump reflected, “I was very friendly with him… seemed like a nice guy,” adding that Diddy later became “very hostile” as Trump pursued political office.
Last October, speaking from the Oval Office, Trump referenced the mogul as “Puff Daddy” while criticizing his public opposition during Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign. He noted Diddy’s calls for accountability and his push for Trump’s removal.
