If you’ve been scrolling through your feed lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines swirling about what rapper did Trump pardon 2025. It feels like 2021 all over again, doesn't it? Back then, it was Lil Wayne and Kodak Black grabbing the midnight headlines. This time, the news cycle has a different face at the center of the storm: Kentrell Gaulden, better known to the world as NBA YoungBoy.
It’s wild how history repeats itself.
The Baton Rouge sensation has been a fixture in the legal system for years, mostly dealing with the kind of charges that usually end careers. But in late May 2025, the narrative shifted. Trump, now back in the Oval Office, officially granted a pardon to the "Bandit" rapper, effectively clearing a path for his return to the stage.
The NBA YoungBoy Pardon: The Bare Facts
Honestly, this wasn't a total shock if you follow the "pardon zar" Alice Marie Johnson and her influence. NBA YoungBoy had been living under strict house arrest in Utah—a far cry from the life of a touring superstar. He was facing significant time for a mix of federal gun charges and a separate prescription drug fraud case.
According to reports from the Associated Press and local Utah outlets like KUTV, the pardon was confirmed on May 28, 2025.
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Think about that for a second. One day he's facing a two-year prison sentence and heavy restrictions; the next, he’s announcing a 32-city nationwide tour starting in September. It was a massive win for his legal team, led by high-profile lawyers who have become experts at navigating the clemency process in the second Trump administration.
Why Rappers? The Strategy Behind the Mercy
You might be wondering why a president would spend political capital on a rapper with a lengthy rap sheet. It's not just about the music. It never is.
Trump’s relationship with the hip-hop community is... complicated. Some see it as a genuine attempt at criminal justice reform, while others view it as a calculated move to appeal to younger, diverse voting blocs. During his first term, the "Platinum Plan" was the buzzword. In 2025, it seems the strategy is more about individual "victims" of what the administration calls "overzealous prosecution."
- Publicity: Rappers have massive reach. A pardon for NBA YoungBoy reaches millions of fans instantly.
- Political Loyalty: Many of these artists have either met with Trump or expressed support, which seems to be a common thread in the pardon list.
- The Alice Marie Johnson Factor: As the newly appointed head of clemency recommendations, Johnson focuses on non-violent offenders or those she believes have been treated unfairly by the system.
What About the Other Big Names?
Everyone was asking about Sean "Diddy" Combs. The rumors were everywhere. People were certain that Diddy, facing his own massive federal legal mountain, would be next on the list.
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But it didn't happen.
In early 2026, it came out that Trump actually rejected a personal letter from Diddy requesting clemency. During an interview with the New York Times, Trump even joked about the letter, basically saying he wasn't interested in helping out the Bad Boy mogul. It shows that while the door is open for some, it’s locked tight for others.
Then there's Snoop Dogg. While Snoop didn't need a pardon in 2025—having already seen his associate Michael "Harry-O" Harris pardoned years ago—his presence at the 2025 Inauguration Ball raised plenty of eyebrows. It’s a strange world where the guy who once shot a "clown" version of the president in a music video is now a featured performer at the Crypto Ball.
The Legal Ripple Effect
The pardon for NBA YoungBoy didn't just help his career; it changed the legal landscape for his co-defendants and others in similar situations. When a president issues a pardon, it's "full, complete, and unconditional." This means the record is essentially wiped clean.
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Wait, what about the fines? In many of the 2025 cases, Trump didn't just stop at the prison time. He also removed the requirements for restitution and fines. This has been a huge point of contention for critics who argue that victims are being left in the lurch.
Actionable Takeaways for Following 2025 Clemency
If you're trying to keep track of who's getting out and why, don't just look at the big celebrity names. The process has become much more organized than the "wild west" style of the first term's final days.
- Monitor the Pardon Office: Watch for announcements coming directly from the White House or Alice Marie Johnson’s office rather than just social media rumors.
- Check the Federal Register: This is the official way to verify if a pardon has actually been signed.
- Distinguish between Pardons and Commutations: A pardon wipes the slate; a commutation just shortens the sentence. YoungBoy got the full pardon, which is why he can tour internationally again.
The trend of rappers seeking and receiving executive mercy isn't slowing down. As long as the current administration views these cases as "political" or "unfair," we can expect the list to grow. For NBA YoungBoy, the move was a career-saver. For the rest of the country, it's another chapter in the most unconventional presidency in American history.
Next Steps for You:
Check the official Department of Justice clemency database to see the full list of the 1,500+ individuals granted mercy in early 2025, as many non-celebrity cases provide the real context for these high-profile decisions.