The White House has responded to reports claiming that President Donald Trump is considering reducing rapper P Diddy’s prison sentence.
According to TMZ, Trump is allegedly weighing the possibility of commuting Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sentence, which was issued in October. A commutation would shorten the sentence but leave the underlying convictions intact.
In the U.S., a sentence can be commuted for several reasons, including evidence of rehabilitation, excessive punishment, extenuating circumstances, or perceived injustice.
TMZ cited a senior White House official claiming that Trump is “vacillating” on the decision, with some staff advising against it. The source added, however, that “Trump will do what he wants,” suggesting the former president could approve Diddy’s release as soon as this week.
Combs is currently serving a 50-month sentence for violating the Mann Act, a law that prohibits transporting individuals across state lines for illegal sexual activity. Having served 13 months, he could be eligible for release in about two years with time credits.
Trump has a record of commuting sentences, most recently granting clemency to former Congressman George Santos last Friday, fueling speculation that he may extend similar leniency to others.
In response to the reports, the White House firmly denied TMZ’s claims, calling them inaccurate. TMZ, however, maintained confidence in its story, saying it stands by its reporting.
