Why Donald Trump pardoned NBA YoungBoy? Baton Rouge rapper pens emotional note for president after 23-month jail sentence

Rapper NBA YoungBoy, a.k.a. Never Broke Again, original name Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, penned a heartfelt message to President Donald Trump after receiving a presidential pardon. The Baton Rouge artist becomes the latest rapper to receive a pardon from President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

The rapper was listed among the nine other individuals granted clemency, a group that includes former GOP Congressman Michael Grimm and real estate personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley.

In a long note, the 'Right Foot Creep' rapper thanked Trump, saying that 'this moment means a lot' to him. He wrote in the post, ¡°I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and allowing me to continue growing as a man, a father, and an artist. This moment means everything to me."

NBA YoungBoy has officially been pardoned by president Donald Trump & will not have to serve a 5 year probation ?? pic.twitter.com/aqsu1u8KV4

¡ª pluggjoe (@pluggjoe) May 28, 2025

'I'm grateful. I'm focused. I'm Ready.

The 25-year-old artist went on to express his thanks to Czar Alice Johnson and his lawyer, Brittany K. Barnett, in the post. He says, ¡°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."

He mentioned the name of Barnett for being his corner and for their hard work to make this possible. As well, he noted that now he is focused and he is ready.

Credit: Instagram | NBA YoungBoy

Why was NBA YoungBoy pardoned?

NBA YoungBoy has a long history of legal troubles in the past, including the recent one that took place in April 2023 when he was arrested in connection with a large-scale prescription drug fraud scheme.

The case led to around 63 charges, including forgery, theft, and controlled substances. Following this, the artist was sentenced to 23 months in federal prison. On December 10, 2024, NBA YoungBoy entered a guilty plea to possessing weapons as a convicted felon, resulting in an arrest in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Donald Trump has officially pardoned NBA Youngboy. ? pic.twitter.com/Y8TfZ3Htit

¡ª No Jumper (@nojumper) May 28, 2025

During the time of his arrest, YoungBoy was already under house arrest at his Utah residence while he was awaiting trial for a separate case. Finally, in November 2024, he reached a plea agreement, pleading guilty to 10 charges.

Also, he entered a no-contest plea to the rest. During his 23 months of imprisonment, it was reported that in January 2025, he would be released on July 27 of the same year. However, his release date was later moved to April 26, and on March 24, the NBA was officially released from FCI Talladega in Alabama.

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