Donald Trump's celebrity pardons: From Lil Wayne to the Chrisleys — and is Sean 'Diddy' Combs next?
Here's a closer look at the famous names Trump has granted clemency to, why they were convicted, and when they walked free.
Lil Wayne – Federal gun charge (2021)
In January 2021, just hours before leaving office, Trump granted a full pardon to rapper Lil Wayne. The Grammy-winning artist had pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, stemming from a December 2019 arrest when a loaded gold-plated handgun was found on his private jet. Wayne, who faced up to 10 years in prison, was praised in the White House statement for his charitable work and 'generosity.' The pardon followed Wayne's public support of Trump during the 2020 election, which raised eyebrows among fans at the time.
Kodak Black – Weapons offense (2021)
Alongside Wayne, Florida rapper Kodak Black also benefited from Trump's final clemency wave in January 2021. Black had been sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison for falsifying documents used to buy firearms. His sentence was commuted, meaning he walked free but his conviction remained intact. Black later publicly thanked Trump, crediting the decision with saving his life and giving him a second chance.
Michael 'Harry-O' Harris – Drug trafficking (2021 and 2025)
Michael Harris, the music executive who helped launch Death Row Records, served over three decades in prison for cocaine trafficking and attempted murder. Trump commuted Harris's sentence in January 2021 after heavy lobbying by Snoop Dogg and reform advocates. Then, in 2025, Trump granted Harris a full pardon, wiping his record clean. Harris has since become a vocal supporter of Trump's criminal justice efforts, citing his own case as proof that the system can offer redemption.
Todd and Julie Chrisley – Fraud and tax evasion (2025)
In one of the more headline-grabbing clemency moves, Trump pardoned reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley on May 28, 2025. The 'Chrisley Knows Best' stars had been serving lengthy sentences after being convicted in 2022 of bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion involving millions of dollars. They had maintained their innocence throughout, and their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, lobbied openly for their release. Trump reportedly informed her of the decision personally, citing 'unjust prosecution' in a statement that sparked mixed reactions across political and entertainment circles.
NBA YoungBoy – Firearms and prescription fraud (2025)
Also included in Trump's May 2025 pardon list was rapper NBA YoungBoy, real name Kentrell Gaulden. In late 2024, he had pleaded guilty to federal charges involving firearms and prescription drug fraud, facing up to 20 years in prison. His legal team argued that he was targeted unfairly, and several advocacy groups supported his clemency request. Trump granted him a full pardon, lifting restrictions tied to parole and probation. YoungBoy later posted a video thanking the former president.
Rod Blagojevich – Public corruption (2020 and 2025)
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 of trying to sell Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat for political favors. Trump commuted his 14-year sentence in 2020 after Blagojevich had served nearly eight years. Then, in February 2025, Trump issued a full pardon. The move reignited debate about political influence and accountability, but Trump defended it by saying Blagojevich had 'paid a steep price already.'
Topeka K. Sam – Drug trafficking (2020)
Though not a celebrity in the traditional sense, Topeka K. Sam became a prominent advocate for criminal justice reform after serving time for cocaine trafficking. Trump granted her a full pardon in December 2020, citing her post-release advocacy work. Sam later helped advise Trump's clemency team and supported several reform policies introduced during his term.
The Diddy speculation
Now, the clemency spotlight is on Sean 'Diddy' Combs. The hip-hop mogul is currently facing serious federal charges, including sex trafficking, racketeering, and conspiracy related to a sprawling investigation that spans multiple states. With a trial set for October 3, 2025, Diddy faces the possibility of life in prison if convicted.
Trump recently commented on the rumours, saying he hasn't received a formal request from Diddy's legal team but would 'consider all the facts' if asked. Given Trump's history of pardoning high-profile entertainers and his ongoing efforts to court Black celebrity support, some believe a Diddy pardon is possible, especially if the trial becomes a national flashpoint.
Whether you see them as acts of mercy or political theatre, Trump's celebrity pardons have consistently drawn global attention. From rappers with gun charges to TV stars convicted of fraud, his clemency list reads more like a tabloid column than a legal document. And if Diddy ends up on that list, it would be Trump's most sensational clemency move yet.
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