Over the years, President Donald Trump has made several attempts—both genuine and strategic—to connect with the hip-hop community. He’s been seen associating with artists like Ye (Kanye West), Lil Pump, Fivio Foreign, and Sheff G, and has received public support from rappers such as Waka Flocka Flame and Chief Keef. But beyond these connections, Trump has also used his presidential powers to assist several rappers with their legal troubles.
A$AP Rocky’s Case in Sweden
In 2019, Trump intervened in the legal case of A$AP Rocky, who was arrested for assault in Sweden. Trump publicly demanded Rocky’s release, but despite his efforts, the rapper was found guilty—though he was allowed to return to the U.S. Trump’s team later criticized A$AP Rocky for not thanking the president for his involvement.
Pardons and Commutations for Rappers
As Trump’s first term ended in January 2021, he issued several high-profile pardons and commutations:
Kodak Black:
Trump commuted the nearly four-year federal prison sentence Kodak Black was serving for firearms charges stemming from his 2019 arrest.
Lil Wayne:
On the same day, Trump pardoned Lil Wayne, who was awaiting sentencing for federal gun charges.
Recent Actions in 2025
YoungBoy Never Broke Again:
On May 28, 2025, Trump pardoned YoungBoy, who was on probation for federal gun charges.
Michael “Harry O” Harris: Trump commuted the sentence of the Death Row Records cofounder.
Larry Hoover: Trump also commuted the federal sentence of the former Gangsta Disciples leader.
Possible Future Pardons
On May 29, 2025, Trump was asked if he would pardon Diddy (Sean Combs) if convicted of sex crimes. Trump replied that he would consider the facts of the case, regardless of his personal relationship with Diddy, emphasizing that he would act if he believed someone was mistreated.
Summary:
Trump’s relationship with hip-hop has been marked by both public alliances and significant legal interventions, with several major artists receiving pardons or commutations during his presidency.
