Disaster”
As rumors swirl about Donald Trump considering a pardon for Sean “Diddy” Combs, conservative commentator Megyn Kelly is sounding the alarm—and she’s not holding back.
In a recent broadcast, Kelly urged Trump to rethink any potential clemency, warning that it could become another “Epstein-level scandal” for the former president.
Tied to an Elite Image Trump’s Base Hates
Kelly emphasized that Trump’s hesitation to release the much-speculated Jeffrey Epstein client list has already triggered skepticism among his loyal supporters.
That move, she said, gave off the impression that Trump was protecting the so-called “elite cabal”—a group his MAGA followers have long rallied against.
And according to her, adding Diddy to his list of pardons would only worsen that image.
“This would not help him shed that reputation,” she warned.
“It would reinforce the belief that Trump is just another one of them.”
The Diddy Scandal and Allegations of a Cover-Up
Kelly didn’t mince words about the severity of the charges against Diddy.
She referenced the accusations that his infamous parties involved young women and drugs—and that some now believe there was a broader network at play.
“There are people who already think this is a cover-up,” Kelly said.
“And a pardon would only fuel those suspicions.”
She argued that Trump stepping in on Diddy’s behalf could send a dangerous message to women—especially young, vulnerable victims.
A Blow to Republican Women Voters?
Beyond the legal optics, Kelly zeroed in on the potential fallout within the Republican Party.
She said women—particularly young conservative women—are already uneasy about the party’s direction.
“This says to women: you don’t matter,” Kelly said passionately.
“It tells them that even the top Republican leader will look the other way when it comes to abuse.”
She added that not all these women are left-leaning.
“There are conservative women who aren’t sold on Trump or MAGA—and this won’t help win them over.”
“Let Him Serve the Time”
Kelly also insisted that, regardless of politics, justice needs to be served.
She pointed to Diddy’s past acknowledgment of domestic violence and said it would be wrong to let him off easy.
“He admitted to beating women. He didn’t even deny it,” she said.
“He only got convicted on the minor stuff—at the very least, let him serve time for that.”
What Diddy Was Convicted Of
Earlier this month, Diddy was found not guilty of the more serious charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
However, he was convicted on two counts related to transporting individuals for prostitution, which carry a possible 10-year prison sentence.
His sentencing is set for October 3, unless something changes between now and then—like a presidential pardon.
Trump’s Mixed Signals on the Pardon
According to reports from Deadline, Trump has been toying with the idea of stepping in.
Insiders say what started as casual musing has developed into “a real possibility.”
Back in May, Trump acknowledged the case to reporters, saying he hadn’t followed it closely but was open to reviewing the facts.
“He used to really like me,” Trump said of Diddy, adding that the relationship seemed to sour when Trump entered politics.
Still, he insisted that personal feelings wouldn’t influence a potential decision.
“I’d look at the facts. If someone was mistreated, whether they like me or not, it doesn’t matter,” he said.
Behind Closed Doors: The Pardon Strategy
Trump later discussed the case in the Oval Office, admitting, “Nobody’s asked, but I know people are thinking about it.”
He said he believes some close allies are “very close to asking.”
Attorney John Koufos, who has ties to Trump’s pardon team, believes the case aligns with Trump’s ongoing messaging around overcriminalization and political targeting in the justice system.
Koufos noted that Diddy’s RICO charges didn’t stick and questioned how someone could even be guilty of a conspiracy without others involved.
Still, he added that there’s “nothing particularly sympathetic” about Diddy, making the potential pardon a tough sell publicly.
The Clock Is Ticking
Unless Trump steps in, Diddy’s sentencing is coming fast.
But with the former president’s history of controversial pardons and his eye on 2024 strategy, this one has the potential to blow up—not just legally, but politically.
And if Megyn Kelly is right, a pardon might cost Trump more than he thinks.