In a significant legal development, President Donald Trump has granted a full presidential pardon to rapper Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known professionally as NBA YoungBoy. This decision absolves Gaulden of all remaining legal obligations stemming from his 2024 felony firearm conviction, which included a 23-month prison sentence, five years of probation, and a $200,000 fine. The pardon also concludes his probation and any associated restrictions.
Gaulden had previously served time and was released into home confinement, which recently ended. The pardon was part of a broader wave of presidential clemency affecting other high-profile individuals.
Expressing gratitude, Gaulden thanked President Trump, advocate Alice Marie Johnson, and his lawyer Brittany K. Barnett for their roles in securing his pardon. He described the moment as a significant turning point in his life, emphasizing his readiness to embrace a new chapter.
Now a free man with no travel restrictions, Gaulden is set to embark on a U.S. headlining tour from September to October. This pardon follows Trump’s earlier acts of clemency during his previous term, including for artists Lil Wayne and Kodak Black.
The decision has sparked discussions about criminal justice reform, the use of presidential pardons, and the intersection of celebrity and politics. While some view the pardon as a positive step toward rehabilitation and second chances, others question the implications of such high-profile clemency actions.
As Gaulden prepares for his upcoming tour and continues his career, the impact of this presidential pardon on his future endeavors and public perception remains to be seen.