US President Donald Trump is considering commuting the 50-month prison sentence of rapper and music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs as early as this week, TMZ reported, citing a senior White House official.
According to the report, Trump is “hesitant” about whether to make the change. “Some WH staff are urging Trump not to commute the sentence,” a source told TMZ. But the source added: “Trump will do what he wants,” suggesting a decision could come soon.
Trump approves Diddy’s request for clemency
In an interview with reporters on Monday, Trump acknowledged that Combs had asked him for clemency. Referring to the rapper by his famous nickname “Puff Daddy,” Trump said he was aware of the request but did not say whether he would comply.
Diddy’s legal team responded early
According to TMZ, Combs’ legal team contacted a senior White House official “almost immediately” after the verdict was handed down earlier this month.
The tense history between Trump and Diddy
While Diddy endorsed Joe Biden during the 2020 presidential campaign — a move that strained his relationship with Trump — sources told TMZ that the president hasn’t ruled out a show of leniency. “It is now squarely on the table,” the message read.
Diddy’s punishment and time served
Combs is currently serving a 50-month prison sentence for violating the Mann Act, a federal law prohibiting the transportation of individuals across state lines for illegal purposes. He has served 13 months of his term and could be released in about two years with credit for good behavior.
Diddy’s lawyers are seeking a rehab program
Meanwhile, Combs’ legal team has asked that the hip-hop mogul serve his four-year, two-month federal prison sentence at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey, citing the facility’s drug treatment program as key to his rehabilitation.
In a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian on Monday, Combs’ attorney Teny Geragos urged the court to “strongly recommend” placement at Fort Dix, home to one of the federal system’s residential drug treatment programs.
Geragos wrote that the placement would allow Combs to “address substance abuse issues and maximize family visits and rehabilitation efforts.”
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Combs reflects on time in prison
Combs, who has been in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his September 2024 arrest, emphasized personal growth and rehabilitation in a letter to the court.
He wrote: “I thank God that I am stronger, wiser, clean, clear and sober. I am determined to remain a drug-free, non-violent and peaceful person.”
After the time served in Brooklyn is deducted from his sentence, Combs could be released in about three years.
The judge will not act on the request yet
Judge Subramanian has not yet ruled on the application to be placed at Fort Dix. The Bureau of Prisons ultimately decides where inmates serve their sentences, taking into account factors such as the seriousness of the offense, security requirements and programming needs.
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Key Points:
-President Trump may commute Sean “Diddy” Combs’ prison sentence this week.
-Trump acknowledged Combs’ pardon request but did not indicate any approval.
-Combs’ lawyers contacted a senior White House official soon after the sentencing.
-Combs served 13 months of a 50-month Mann Act sentence; possible release in ~2-3 years with good behavior.
-Lawyers want Combs placed at FCI Fort Dix for drug treatment and rehabilitation.
-Combs emphasizes purity, sobriety and non-violence in the court letter.
-Judge Subramanian did not rule on the location of Fort Dix; The final placement is decided by the prison office.
