Donald Trump Pardons NBA YoungBoy Ahead of Release from Federal Prison

Rapper NBA YoungBoy has received a full presidential pardon from Donald Trump, the White House confirmed. The Louisiana artist, whose real name is Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, had been scheduled for release in July 2025 following a plea agreement in a federal gun case in Utah.

The pardon clears his federal record and grants him early release from custody.

In a statement shared on social media, the rapper thanked Trump for the opportunity to move forward:
“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 also thanked Alice Marie Johnson, who has worked closely with Trump on criminal justice reform, and his attorney Brittany K. Barnett for helping make the pardon possible.

YoungBoy rose to prominence in the mid-2010s and has remained one of the most streamed rappers despite a series of legal issues, including firearms charges and periods of house arrest. Known for his consistent music output and strong fanbase, he has remained active even while facing restrictions.

The rapper is now preparing for a 27-city tour titled “Make America Smile Again (MASA),” set to begin on September 2 in Dallas.

YoungBoy’s pardon is one of several clemency actions announced recently, including the commutation of Larry Hoover’s federal sentence and pardons for Todd and Julie Chrisley.