US President Donald Trump has officially granted NBA YoungBoy a presidential pardon.
The clemency, announced Wednesday, came as part of a broader wave of pardons extended to nine individuals, including controversial reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, as well as former Republican Congressman Michael Grimm. But it was YoungBoy’s name that made headlines across music and political spheres alike.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, the 24-year-old rapper expressed gratitude for what he described as a life-changing decision.
“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,” YoungBoy 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, born Kentrell Gaulden, also extended thanks to criminal justice reform advocate Alice Marie Johnson, nicknamed the “Pardon Czar,” and attorney Brittany K. Barnett for their efforts in securing his release.
“Big thanks to the Pardon Czar, Ms. Alice Marie Johnson, for fighting for second chances for so many people, and to my lawyer, Brittany K. Barnett, for being in my corner and all your hard work to make this possible,” he added. “And thank you to everyone who believed in me.”
YoungBoy’s legal history has been turbulent, marked by multiple arrests on weapons charges and periods of house arrest. Despite his legal woes, he has remained one of the most prolific artists in hip-hop, releasing numerous albums and mixtapes—some even while incarcerated.
The pardon arrives just months ahead of his ambitious 27-city tour, dubbed the Make America Smile Again (MASA) tour, set to kick off September 2 in Dallas. The name appears to be a play on Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan, perhaps hinting at a deeper alignment—or at least a savvy marketing nod.
