Did Donald Trump Pardon R. Kelly? The Truth Behind the Rumors
No Presidential Pardon for R. Kelly
Despite circulating rumors and misleading social media posts, there is no evidence that former President Donald Trump has pardoned R&B singer R. Kelly. As of May 2025, Kelly remains incarcerated, serving a 30-year federal prison sentence for sex trafficking and racketeering convictions. These convictions were upheld by a federal appeals court earlier this year .
Claims suggesting that Trump granted clemency to Kelly have been debunked by fact-checkers. For instance, a viral TikTok video falsely claimed that Kelly had been released from prison following a presidential pardon. However, this video was found to be misleading and not based on factual events .
Trump's Clemency Record: No Mention of R. Kelly
During his presidency, Donald Trump granted clemency to several individuals, including political allies and celebrities. Notable examples include pardons for rapper Lil Wayne and commutations for Kodak Black . However, R. Kelly's name does not appear on the official list of individuals who received executive clemency from Trump .
While Trump has shown a willingness to grant clemency to high-profile figures, there is no public record or credible report indicating that he has done so for R. Kelly.
Artistic Pleas and Public Speculation
In the realm of music, R. Kelly has released songs that some interpret as pleas for clemency. For example, tracks like "Presidential Pardon" and "Letter to President Donald Trump" have surfaced online . These songs express themes of redemption and appeals for mercy but do not reflect any actual legal developments.
Additionally, public figures such as comedian Eddie Griffin have made statements urging Trump to pardon Kelly . However, these are personal opinions and have not influenced any official actions.
Conclusion
As of now, R. Kelly has not received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump or any other official. He continues to serve his sentence, and any claims to the contrary are unfounded. It's essential to rely on verified information and official records when discussing such matters.
