President Donald Trump responded Friday to a query about probably pardoning Sean “Diddy” Combs, who stands indicted on federal prices together with intercourse trafficking.
“I haven’t spoken to him in years,” Trump instructed Fox Information reporter Peter Doocy when requested about pardoning Combs. “He used to essentially like me so much, however I feel after I ran for politics, that relationship busted up, from what I learn. I don’t know, he didn’t inform me that.”
“However I’d learn some … nasty statements within the paper hastily,” he continued.
Combs as soon as ran in the identical rich social circles as Trump, however was federally indicted in September on one rely of racketeering conspiracy, one rely of intercourse trafficking by pressure, fraud or coercion and one rely of transportation to interact in prostitution.
Prosecutors in Manhattan added two prices final month of intercourse trafficking by pressure, fraud or coercion, and transportation for functions of prostitution. Surveillance footage launched final Could confirmed Combs assaulting his ex-girlfriend, singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura.
He has pleaded not responsible to all prices and faces 15 years to life in jail if convicted.
“You realize, it’s totally different,” Trump stated Friday. “You turn out to be a a lot totally different particular person if you run for politics and also you do what’s proper. I might do different issues and I’m certain he’d like me, and I’m certain different folks would really like me, but it surely wouldn’t be nearly as good for our nation.”
Trump and Combs had been beforehand seen as symbols of economic success and social standing. Trump was reportedly the primary main superstar to reach at Combs’ celebration in 1998, with their mutual respect even spawning a VIBE journal article.
Joe Schildhorn/Patrick McMullan/Getty Photographs
Trump, then an unscrupulous actual property tycoon whose wealth had been steadily lauded in hip-hop songs for the reason that Nineteen Eighties, instructed the New York Day by day Information after Combs was charged with assault in 1999 that Combs was “a visionary and an important expertise.”
Trump most lately pardoned actuality TV stars and MAGA loyalists Todd and Julie Chrisley of fraud and tax evasion prices.
On Friday, he resisted giving a definitive reply on whether or not or not he would pardon Combs.
“It’s not a recognition contest, so I don’t know,” he stated. “I will surely have a look at the info. If I feel someone was mistreated, whether or not they like me or don’t like me, it wouldn’t have any affect on me.”