In a twist that feels ripped straight from a headline generator, Kentrell Gaulden—better known to millions as NBA YoungBoy- has just been pardoned by former President Donald Trump. The announcement, made on May 28, 2025, has already sparked waves of reactions across the internet and beyond.
YoungBoy, who recently wrapped up a nearly two-year stint behind bars on federal firearm charges, is now officially free, not just physically, but legally. Trump’s pardon effectively wipes the slate clean, erasing the remaining legal restrictions tied to the case and giving the rapper space to focus on what he does best: music, family, and a massive national tour that kicks off later this summer.
From Baton Rouge to Federal Prison: A Rocky Road to Redemption
Rapper, NBA YoungBoy’s story has always been as turbulent as it is fascinating. By the time most kids are getting their first job or prepping for college, he was facing two attempted murder charges at just 17. The charges, stemming from a drive-by shooting, were eventually reduced to aggravated assault with a firearm. He got a 10-year suspended sentence and was put on probation.
But that was just the beginning. In the years that followed, YoungBoy seemed caught in a nonstop cycle of legal troubles, assault allegations, a kidnapping case, and even a 2019 shooting in Miami. The most serious blow came in 2024, when a federal court found him guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. That landed him in prison for 23 months.
To make matters worse, he got tangled up in a prescription drug fraud scheme in Utah, something prosecutors linked to a broader operation. He ended up pleading guilty to lesser charges, getting probation and court-mandated treatment. Still, even locked up, NBA YoungBoy continued to release music, as if nothing could stop him. Fans stuck by his side, streaming every track and sharing every video. Somehow, in between court dates and cell bars, he stayed relevant, if not even more so.
Trump’s Pattern of Pardons, and Why YoungBoy Got One
If this sounds familiar, it’s because it is. Donald Trump’s no stranger to celebrity pardons. Remember Lil Wayne? Kodak Black? Both were handed get-out-of-jail-free cards during Trump’s first term, and both, like YoungBoy, were convicted on federal gun charges. In a brief statement issued through his campaign office, Trump framed this as a matter of justice. “NBA YoungBoy has paid his debt to society,” he said. “His story is a powerful example of growth, second chances, and the American spirit.”With the pardon, all federal probation terms are lifted, no more drug tests, check-ins, or travel restrictions: just a clean break and a chance to start over.
“Thankful for the Chance to Grow”: YoungBoy Speaks Out
Shortly after the news broke, YoungBoy posted a heartfelt note to his Instagram:
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow. I’ve made mistakes, and I’ve faced consequences.
But today is a new chapter. I thank President Trump for seeing me as more than my past. I’m focused on being a better man, a better father, and the best artist I can be.”The post resonated deeply with many fans, especially those who have followed his journey from the beginning. Comments poured in, some cheering him on, while others expressed cautious hope that this time really would be different.
The Mixed Reaction: A Second Chance or Celebrity Privilege?
Of course, not everyone’s celebrating. Critics are already raising eyebrows at the optics of the pardon. Some question why celebrities keep getting these second chances while everyday folks with similar convictions are still stuck in the system. Legal scholars note that presidential pardons circumvent the usual legal checks and balances, rendering them susceptible to political manipulation, particularly during election seasons.
For NBA YoungBoy, none of that matters right now. He’s out. He’s unshackled. And from what his team’s hinting at, he’s also planning to put some good out into the world. Philanthropic projects might be on the horizon, particularly those focused on youth, gun violence prevention, and addiction awareness.
A Fresh Start on a Bigger Stage
At just 25, NBA YoungBoy has already lived more lives than most people half his age. He’s gone from facing serious prison time to topping charts, to landing a presidential pardon, all before hitting his late twenties. Now, with a clean record and a tour bus waiting, the question is: what will he do with this new freedom? Will he use it to change the narrative, or will history repeat itself? Either way, one thing’s for sure: YoungBoy’s back in the spotlight. And this time, all eyes are watching.
