Rapper Thanks Donald Trump for Pardon on Gun Conviction in Surprise Move

A Louisiana rapper, Kentrell Gaulden—known professionally as NBA YoungBoy—is expressing deep gratitude to former President Donald Trump, who granted him a presidential pardon on Wednesday. Gaulden, previously convicted on federal weapons charges, described the moment as pivotal, stating it allows him to move forward in life with renewed purpose as a man, a father, and an artist.

Gaulden was sentenced last year by a federal judge in Utah after admitting to possessing firearms as a convicted felon. His legal troubles spanned both Utah and his home state of Louisiana, and, through a plea deal, he resolved multiple state and federal charges. The agreement included a 23-month sentence, five years of probation, and a $200,000 fine. In a statement issued through his Instagram account, Gaulden said, "I want to thank President Trump for granting me a pardon and for giving me the opportunity to keep building—as a man, as a father, and as an artist. This moment means a lot."

He added, "It opens the door to a future I’ve worked hard for and I am fully prepared to step into this." The rapper's attorney, Drew Findling, confirmed that Gaulden had been released from federal prison in March after receiving credit for time served and had completed a period of home confinement last month. The pardon effectively ends the conditions of his probation, including regular drug testing. "From Louisiana to Utah the battles have been endless, and now he can concentrate on first and foremost his family, and then, of course, his amazing career," Findling stated.

The case drew headlines when Gaulden acknowledged possessing multiple firearms—including a Glock .45-caliber pistol and a Masterpiece Arms 9mm handgun while filming a music video in Baton Rouge, and a Sig Sauer 9mm at his Utah residence. As part of his plea, Gaulden agreed to relinquish all the weapons in question. He also has a prior conviction in Louisiana for aggravated assault with a firearm.

Legal issues for Gaulden extended beyond firearms. In November, he pleaded guilty to participation in a prescription drug fraud scheme in Utah. For that charge, he received no prison time but was ordered to pay a $25,000 fine.

With these legal hurdles behind him, the chart-topping rapper—who boasts four No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 and a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100—is reportedly planning a major U.S. arena tour later this year.