Rapper NBA YoungBoy has officially been granted a presidential pardon by Donald Trump, a moment the young artist described as life-changing.
The pardon, which was announced on Wednesday, May 28, has come as a huge relief for the Louisiana-born rapper, whose real name is Kentrell Gaulden.
In a heartfelt message shared to his Instagram stories shortly after the news broke, NBA YoungBoy expressed deep 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.
He added, “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.”
This pardon marks a major turning point in the rapper’s career and personal life.
According to his lawyer, Drew Findling, the pardon application itself was not filed by Gaulden.
However, the legal team confirmed the news shortly after Trump’s announcement.
“I did not do the pardon application, but can confirm he was pardoned,” Findling said in a statement to Rolling Stone.
NBA YoungBoy’s legal troubles date back to a 2020 arrest in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
He was taken into custody while filming a music video outside his grandfather’s house.
During the arrest, authorities recovered a Masterpiece Arms 9mm pistol and a .45 caliber Glock Model 21.
Later, in Utah, he was charged again after a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol was found in his home while he was under house arrest for the Louisiana case.
In December 2024, Gaulden pleaded guilty to both federal firearm charges and was sentenced to 23 months in prison.
He received credit for time already served since May 2024.
The rapper’s troubles didn’t end there.
On April 16, 2024, while still under house arrest, he was arrested again in what prosecutors called a “fraudulent prescription drug ring.”
Just ten days later, he was hit with more charges, including possession of a weapon by a restricted person and distribution of a controlled substance.
Despite all these setbacks, the presidential pardon may mark the start of a new chapter.
The artist, who is still only 24 years old, has been a force in the rap scene for years and maintains a strong fan base.
The phrase “NBA YoungBoy pardon” trended across platforms as supporters and fans praised the rapper’s resilience and expressed hope for his future.
