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The federal trial of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has entered its sixth week in Manhattan federal court, intensifying public scrutiny of the music mogul. Charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for prostitution, Combs faces a potential life sentence if convicted. The prosecution has presented testimony from over 18 witnesses, including former partners Casandra “Cassie” Ventura and a woman identified as “Jane.” As the trial progresses, many folks watching want to know whether President Donald Trump plans to pardon Combs. Here’s what he said about the possibility, and what an attorney thinks.

President Donald Trump spoke about potentially pardoning Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

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As the federal sex trafficking case of Sean “Diddy” Combs continues, those who’ve been watching remain divided on whether the prosecution or the defense has the upper hand. The prosecution brought forth several compelling witnesses who testified about Combs’ alleged abuse, coercion, and manipulation. However, several attorneys aren’t convinced that the prosecution has enough evidence to put Combs away for sex trafficking and racketeering charges.

With this in mind, it will all come down to the jury. And if the jury decides that Combs should be found guilty, will President Donald Trump potentially pardon Combs?

Trump commented on the potential pardon during a press conference with Elon Musk. “Nobody’s asked,” Trump said at the time. “But I know people are thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking.”

Trump added that he knows Combs used to like him “a lot,” but the mogul’s feelings seem to have shifted after Trump entered politics.

“I would certainly look at the facts,” Trump continued. “If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any impact on me.”

Trump and Combs’ connection dates back to the 1990s when both were influential figures in New York’s social and business circles. Trump once described Combs as “legendary” in an invitation to his 29th birthday party in 1998, and the two were photographed together at various events over the years. In 2015, Combs referred to Trump as a “friend of mine” and praised his work ethic. However, as Trump’s political career progressed, Combs’ public support waned. By 2020, Combs had openly criticized Trump’s policies, particularly those affecting Black communities, and endorsed Joe Biden in the presidential election.

An attorney says Donald Trump’s pardoning powers are ‘virtually unchecked’

President Donald Trump could pardon Sean “Diddy” Combs if necessary. According to attorney Tre Lovell, Trump doesn’t have to wait for the trial to conclude. Instead, the president can pardon Combs at any time and set him free.

“The pardoning power is one of the ultimate powers of the President,” Lovell told The U.S. Sun. “It’s virtually unchecked, and he can do it.”

“He doesn’t even have to wait for the conviction,” Lovell continued. “He can do it at any time after somebody’s charged, even after the crime occurs. So, the second that President Trump determines that he’s gonna pardon [Diddy], it happens immediately.”

Will Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs take the stand in his trial?

Those keeping up with Sean “Diddy” Combs might hope to see him take the stand in his trial. However, several attorneys note that this is highly unlikely. Attorney Jesse Weber with Law&Crime said chances are slim that Combs will testify.

“First of all, we all know that him taking the stand and being subjected to cross-examination by the prosecutors is going to be quite problematic for him,” Weber said on Piers Morgan Uncensored. “But you also have to wonder what his judgment is. In the United States, it’s his decision, and his decision alone, to testify.”

How to get help: In the U.S., call the RAINN National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 to connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. 

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