Lil Wayne and Kodak Black among last-minute pardons and commutations granted by Trump
Kodak Black #KodakBlack
The night before he leaves office, President Donald Trump is pardoning 73 people and commuting sentences for an additional 70. Among the list are rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black.
According to an official statement from the White House, Trump granted a full pardon to Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., after the rapper pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon back in December. If convicted, he could’ve faced a maximum of 10 years in prison.
“Mr. Carter has exhibited this generosity through commitment to a variety of charities, including donations to research hospitals and a host of food banks,” according to the White House statement. “Deion Sanders, who also wrote in support of this pardon, calls Mr. Wayne ‘a provider for his family, a friend to many, a man of faith, a natural giver to the less fortunate, a waymaker, [and] a game changer.'”
Wayne previously endorsed Trump for a second term after meeting with the president in October.
“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,” Wayne tweeted. “He listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done. 🤙🏾”
The president granted a commutation to Kodak Black (born Bill K. Kapri), who was sentenced to 46 months in prison for “making a false statement on a Federal document” related to falsifying forms to purchase firearms. He has served nearly half of his sentence. The statement recognized the rapper’s involvement in “numerous philanthropic efforts,” including his $50,000 to David Portnoy’s Barstool Fund, which helps small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supporters of Kodak’s commutation include fellow rappers Gucci Mane, Lil Pump, Lil Yachty, as well as Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens, and numerous religious leaders, according to the White House.
Other notable names in the pardon and commutations list include former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
On Wednesday, Trump will officially leave office and Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in as president and vice president, respectively. Artists like Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and Garth Brooks have been announced to perform at the inauguration.
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