NBA YoungBoy Receives Presidential Pardon from Donald Trump
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The rapper, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden, was pardoned after pleading guilty to federal weapons charges.
Rapper NBA YoungBoy, also known as Kentrell Gaulden, has been granted a full pardon by former President Donald Trump. The pardon was issued on May 28, months after Gaulden pleaded guilty to federal weapons charges.
Jasmine Wright of CNN shared the news on X/Twitter, stating, “President Trump has also issued a full pardon to rapper NBA YoungBoy, one of the most streamed rappers, who was convicted of possessing weapons as a felon. He was released from prison earlier this year.”
President Trump has also issued a full pardon to rapper NBA YoungBoy (or YoungBoy Never Broke again lol), one of the most streamed rappers, who was convicted of possessing weapons as a felon. He was released from prison earlier this year
– Jasmine Wright (@JasJWright) May 28, 2025
Gaulden, 25, had been sentenced to 23 months in federal prison followed by 60 months of probation for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He was released early in April due to time served.
In an online statement, NBA YoungBoy expressed his gratitude to Trump, saying the pardon would allow him to grow. “I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the chance to keep building – as a man,as a father,and as an artist,” he stated. “This moment means a lot. It opens the door to a future I’ve worked hard for and I am fully prepared to step into this.”
He added, “I’m grateful. I’m focused. I’m ready.”
The prison sentance was related to a music video filmed in Louisiana in 2020 and a weapon found at his Utah home last year. He had been transferred to a re-entry facility near Phoenix in March, according to Complex.
upcoming Tour
The pardon precedes NBA YoungBoy’s ‘Masa Tour’ in 2025, which includes 27 cities across the US, starting in Dallas, texas, on September 2.
“I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and giving me the opportunity to keep building – as a man, as a father, and as an artist.”
Other individuals who received adjusted sentences from donald trump include Michael Harris, co-founder of Death row Records, and Larry Hoover, founder of the Gangster Disciples. Reality TV personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley were also pardoned, as reported by Consequence.
Understanding Presidential Pardons
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a presidential pardon do?
A presidential pardon forgives an individual for a federal crime, restoring most of the rights lost as a result of the conviction.
Can a president pardon anyone?
The president’s pardon power is broad but generally applies to federal crimes. It does not extend to state crimes or impeachments.
Is a pardon the same as an expungement?
No, a pardon forgives the crime, while an expungement removes the record of the arrest and conviction from a person’s criminal record (where available under law).
