Trump gives surprising response when asked if he'd pardon Diddy if convicted in current sex trafficking trial
Diddy's trial has garnered the attention of people around the world, and now Donald Trump has weighed in on it when asked if he would give the rapper a pardon.
Donald Trump has given out a few pardons since the beginning of his presidency this year, including a recent one to reality TV couple Todd and Julie Chrisley, and he was recently asked whether he would offer one to Sean 'Diddy' Combs, who is currently on trial.
Combs, 55, is accused of racketeering and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, among other charges - all of which he has denied and has pleaded not guilty.
Since the trial went underway a few weeks ago, numerous testimonies have been given by a few witnesses, including his ex-girlfriend, Casandra 'Cassie' Ventura, who has accused Combs of physical abuse during their relationship, his ex-assistant Capricorn Clark, and rapper Kid Cudi to name a few.
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On Friday (May 30), during a press conference at the White House, Trump was asked about the trial and whether he'd extend Combs a pardon.
Trump did not rule out the possibility of a pardon, as he said: "Nobody's asked. But I know people are thinking about it. I know they're thinking about it. I think some people have been very close to asking.
"First of all, I'd look at what's happening, and I haven't been watching it too closely, although it's certainly getting a lot of coverage.
"I haven't seen him. I haven't spoken to him in years."
The reporter noted that back in 2012, Trump had previously said on The Celebrity Apprentice that Diddy was a 'good friend' of his; however, the businessman added that his decision to run for politics may have impacted their relationship as he'd read 'some little bit nasty statements in the paper all of a sudden'.
"He used to really like me a lot, but I think when I ran for politics, sort of, that relationship busted up from what I read…you become a much different person when you run for politics and you do what's right…our country's doing really well because of what we're doing." Trump said.
"I could do other things and I am sure he would like me to and im sure other people would like me to but it wouldn't be as good for the country.
"Our country is doing really well because of what we are doing, so it is not a popularity contest, I would certainly look into the facts."
He added: "I would certainly look at the facts. If I think somebody was mistreated, whether they like me or don't like me, it wouldn't have any impact on me."
Topics: Donald Trump, Diddy, News, US News
Gerrard Kaonga