Speculations have been flying this week about exactly who Donald Trump would be issuing pardons to in his last few days as President of the United States.
On Tuesday night as part of this last-minute spree, Trump granted clemency to over 100 people, including rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, CNN reports.
Dwayne Carter AKA Lil Wayne, pleaded guilty to a federal weapons charge that stemmed from an incident that took place in Miami on December 23, 2019. Carter is a convicted felon who had previously served time in 2010 for eight months after pleading guilty to a felony gun charge in New York. He was looking at up to 10 years in prison before today receiving a full pardon from his charges.
In notes released by the White House, Brett Berish of Sovereign Brands described Carter as “trustworthy, kind-hearted and generous,” saying that he had shown generosity through his contributions to a number of charities, including donations to research hospitals and foodbanks.
Carter‘s pardon was expected as earlier in the year, he was vocal in his support for Trump. In November, the rapper tweeted a photo of himself and the outgoing president, writing “Just had a great meeting with [Donald Trump]. Besides what he’s done so far with criminal reform, the platinum plan is going to give the community real ownership.”
“He listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done.”
Just had a great meeting with @realdonaldtrump @potus besides what he’s done so far with criminal reform, the platinum plan is going to give the community real ownership. He listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done. ?? pic.twitter.com/Q9c5k1yMWf
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) October 29, 2020
Kodak Black, whose real name is Bill Kapri, received a commutation from the outgoing president after being charged back in 2019 with putting false information on federal forms to purchase firearms. On those forms, he indicated that he was not under indictment at the time of trying to buy said firearms, however at the time, he was out on bond for sexual assault charges.
Last month, the rapper made a plea to have his 46 month sentence reduced, however prosecutors denied his request at the time.
Notable omissions from this list of pardoned people include Julian Assange, Edward Snowden and Joe Exotic, who’s team reportedly were so sure of his chances of being pardoned, that they hired a limo and a team of hair and makeup artists to escort Exotic from prison.
