Trump Pardons Rapper NBA YoungBoy in Sweeping Clemency Move

29 May 2025

NBA YoungBoy and Trump (Credit: X and AP)

In a controversial but headline-grabbing move, former President Donald Trump issued a full presidential pardon on May 29 to Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, better known as NBA YoungBoy, as part of a broader clemency wave affecting 26 individuals. The pardon wipes clean the chart-topping rapper’s criminal record, including serious federal firearm possession charges and a string of recent legal troubles related to prescription drug fraud.

NBA YoungBoy, who rose to fame with his emotionally raw lyrics and massive online following, had been entangled in legal battles for years. Most recently, he was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of firearms as a convicted felon. Additionally, he had been serving probation stemming from charges related to a prescription drug distribution scheme in Utah, where he pled guilty to multiple felony counts in late 2024.

Although he was released in March 2025 and placed under strict probationary terms, the pardon from Trump completely nullifies any remaining legal obligations tied to those convictions. The rapper, who has amassed over 12 billion streams across platforms, expressed gratitude in a public statement, thanking Trump, his lawyer Brittany K. Barnett, and clemency reform advocate Alice Marie Johnson. “This is a fresh start,” he said in a message posted to social media. “I’m ready to do things differently, for me and my kids.”

Trump’s clemency spree also included former political figures, a reformed gang leader, and a handful of celebrities. But the inclusion of NBA YoungBoy, a figure both revered and controversial within hip-hop culture has stirred public debate about who deserves second chances and the implications of presidential clemency.

Critics argue that Trump’s decision was politically motivated, designed to appeal to younger voters, especially within the hip-hop community, where support for him has quietly grown in some circles. They cite the rapper's troubled history and argue that pardoning him sends a dangerous message. “This is not justice reform,” said one legal analyst. “This is celebrity favoritism.”

However, supporters see it differently. Many point to YoungBoy’s troubled upbringing, his efforts to turn his life around, and his influence over a massive audience. “He’s not perfect, but he’s trying,” said Alice Marie Johnson, who played a pivotal role in securing his clemency. “He has the power to use his platform for something better now.”

Trump’s use of the pardon power has long been a subject of scrutiny. During his presidency and afterward, he has granted clemency to a mix of controversial and high-profile individuals, often bypassing traditional Department of Justice review processes. His defenders say this reflects a deep skepticism of a flawed justice system; his critics say it's more about optics and influence.

Meanwhile, NBA YoungBoy is reportedly already working on a new album, his first project since being released from custody. Sources close to his team suggest that the music will reflect his recent experiences and new outlook on life. Whether the public embraces this new chapter or remains critical, one thing is certain: YoungBoy’s story just took a dramatic and unexpected turn, fueled by presidential power, public controversy, and the unpredictable intersection of politics and pop culture.