Diddy reportedly believes Trump will pardon him in 2026, though the White House calls the rumors “fake news.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs is once again making headlines. The 55-year-old music mogul, who has been serving time since 2024, is reportedly telling fellow inmates that he’s expecting a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in 2026.
According to The National Desk, sources inside Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution in New Jersey claim Diddy has been confidently talking about “outside help” that could lead to an early release. He allegedly believes that Trump — now serving as U.S. President again — will personally intervene on his behalf.
Inmates reportedly overheard Diddy saying the pardon would come in 2026 and that he would “repay favors” to those who stayed loyal to him during his sentence. Those promises have been interpreted as pledges of financial or personal support once he’s free.
However, the White House has strongly denied the claims. When similar rumors surfaced earlier this year, a spokesperson called the reports “fake news,” insisting that no discussion or consideration of a Diddy pardon had taken place.
This isn’t the first time the two public figures have crossed paths. Diddy and Trump have known each other for decades — the rapper was once a regular at Trump’s high-profile parties in the early 2000s.
But while that connection may fuel speculation, legal experts point out that any official pardon would have to follow strict procedures through the U.S. Office of the Pardon Attorney.
To qualify, Diddy’s legal team would need to submit a formal petition outlining reasons for clemency, including his behavior in prison, progress in rehabilitation, and the nature of his conviction. So far, there’s been no record of such a filing or public comment from his attorneys.
After his 2024 arrest on sex trafficking charges, Diddy was initially held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He was later transferred to Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution in New Jersey, where his lawyers argued he could better access drug treatment and rehabilitation programs.
The facility, though lower security, has stirred controversy for reportedly offering Diddy more privileges than other inmates, including access to quality meals and limited tech gadgets.
For now, Diddy’s release date remains set for May 8, 2028. Whether his rumored “2026 pardon” actually happens or is just prison talk remains to be seen.
