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After a closely watched two-month federal trial in New York, hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was acquitted on the most serious charges of racketeering and sex trafficking but was found guilty on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act. The verdict came on July 2, 2025, and carried potential prison terms of up to 20 years. Combs remains in custody without bail, pending a sentencing date scheduled for Oct. 3, 2025. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has publicly addressed the case, stating that he would “look at the facts” and consider a pardon if formally requested. So, why would Trump pardon Combs? Here’s what a criminal defense lawyer says.

A criminal defense lawyer gave a reason as to why Donald Trump might pardon Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

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President Donald Trump is “seriously considering” pardoning Sean “Diddy” Combs, an administrative source told Deadline. Before the verdict on Combs’ trial, Trump stated he “would certainly look at the facts if I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me.” Another source told TMZ that the president was “more than open” to the idea of pardoning Combs, though his decision may wait until after sentencing.

So, why would Trump pardon Combs? Celebrity criminal defense attorney Bradford Cohen spoke on Law&Crime regarding the situation. According to Cohen, he believes Trump will pardon Combs if he feels an injustice has occurred, regardless of Combs’ political stance.

“I don’t think President Trump does things because it’s popular or unpopular all the time,” Cohen said. “People seem to think that a lot of people in politics do things that the masses are like, ‘this is unpopular,’ or, ‘this is popular.’ President Trump does what is the right thing to do, and if he feels this is the right thing to do, I think that he would then do it.”

Cohen noted that others whom Trump pardoned in the past were people he likely knew personally. “So, he knows more about those individuals than just some president,” the lawyer added. “Don’t forget, this is part of pop culture. This president was famous before he was president. … He associated with a lot of individuals he sees gets charged with crimes.” Cohen noted that Trump has also been “in the shoes of other defendants” in ways that past presidents can’t relate to.

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