President Trump stated he hasn’t been approached to offer pardons for his longtime associate Jeffrey Epstein or former Congressman George Santos (R-N.Y.), clarifying that he also wouldn’t consider pardoning rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs. This came during a recent interview where he discussed three individuals currently serving prison sentences.
Trump responded to the host, Rob Finnerty, revealing that discussions had occurred regarding Combs, but not about the other two individuals. When asked about pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell—a figure sentenced to 20 years for her involvement with Epstein—Trump noted, “I’m allowed to do that, but no one asked me to do it.”
He remarked, “I know nothing about it,” asserting that while he has the authority to issue pardons, no one had come to him about Maxwell’s situation. Trump mentioned he hadn’t thought about her pardon recently and indicated that the pressure was increasing for the administration to disclose more details from the Epstein files. Maxwell’s attorney confirmed he hasn’t discussed any pardon possibilities with Trump.
Last month, the Justice Department prompted considerable backlash from the Republican Party following Epstein’s death, which reignited concerns over the handling of his case and the client list that went missing. Trump also hinted that he hasn’t dismissed the chance of amnesty for Santos, who was given a seven-year sentence after pleading guilty to wire fraud and identity theft.
Trump remarked on Santos, saying, “He lied like hell,” while adding that Santos had been a firm supporter during his time in Congress. The president noted that he had not been approached regarding a pardon for the former GOP lawmaker expelled from Congress in 2023, mentioning that Santos sought forgiveness.
In response to criticism, Trump remarked, “You can blame the other side for not checking him out,” suggesting others overlooked Santos’ missteps until after the election.
As for Combs, who was recently acquitted of charges related to sex trafficking, Trump described him as “Half Innocent,” referencing their past friendship, but also acknowledging that their relationship soured during Trump’s presidential campaign. “I got along with him, but he became hostile once I took office,” Trump explained.
“It makes it more difficult,” he added, commenting on the complexities of seeking a pardon in light of those strained dynamics. Before the convictions surfaced, Trump mentioned he would evaluate the facts should he consider any action regarding Combs.
