U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering commuting the prison sentence of hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs as early as this week, sparking a fresh wave of political and public debate across the country.
According to TMZ, a senior White House official revealed that discussions are ongoing, with Trump said to be “vacillating” over the decision despite strong advice from some of his aides not to proceed.
The source, however, added that “Trump will do what he wants,” hinting that a final decision could be imminent.
Diddy, 55, is currently serving a 50-month prison term after being convicted on two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution.
He was, however, acquitted of more severe charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
The music mogul has already served 13 months of his sentence under the Mann Act, a federal law that prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for unlawful sexual activity.
Following his sentencing earlier this month, reports emerged that Diddy’s legal team reached out to a senior Trump ally to discuss the potential for a commutation or presidential pardon.
Trump later confirmed that the request had reached him, stating during an interaction with the press:
“I’ve had a lot of people ask me for pardons. I call him Puff Daddy, he has asked me for a pardon.”
If Trump decides to grant the commutation, it would effectively end Diddy’s prison term, paving the way for his immediate release.
The development comes just days after Trump commuted the sentence of former Congressman George Santos, who had been serving 87 months for wire fraud and identity theft — fueling speculation that the former president could be preparing a series of high-profile clemencies.
