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In a turn of events, rapper NBA YoungBoy, legally known as Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, has been granted a presidential pardon by President Donald Trump. This clemency absolves him of federal gun-related convictions, marking a pivotal moment in his life and career.
Gaulden had been sentenced to 23 months in prison and five years of probation for possessing firearms as a convicted felon. He was released from federal custody in March and had been under home confinement. The pardon not only lifts the remaining probation obligations but also eliminates associated fines, allowing him to move forward without legal constraints.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Gaulden expressed profound gratitude: “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,” he wrote. “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”. The rapper also acknowledged the efforts of clemency advocate Alice Marie Johnson and his attorney Brittany K. Barnett in facilitating the pardon process.
This pardon is part of a broader wave of clemency issued by President Trump, which included reality TV stars, political allies, and other high-profile individuals . Critics argue that these actions erode public trust in judicial integrity and suggest that Trump uses pardons as political tools .
With his legal challenges behind him, NBA YoungBoy is poised to return to the music scene. He has announced a headlining U.S. tour set to commence in September, marking his first major tour since 2020. The tour will span 27 cities, concluding in New Orleans on October 19, just before his 26th birthday.
