President Trump pardoned Michael Carter Jr., more famously known as rapper Lil Wayne, just hours before he left office.
“Mr. Carter pled guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, owing to a conviction over 10 years ago,” the White House said in a statement. “Deion Sanders, who … wrote in support of this pardon, calls Mr. Wayne ‘a provider for his family, a friend to many, a man of faith, a natural giver to the less fortunate, a waymaker, [and] a game changer.'”
Carter pleaded guilty last month in federal court to illegal possession of a loaded, gold-plated handgun while the rapper was on his way to Florida in a private jet. Authorities said Wayne also had possession of cocaine, ecstasy, and oxycodone.
Carter has a previous felony gun conviction from 2009 on his record, which made it illegal to own a firearm.
The pardon comes not long after the rapper and the president made waves by establishing a friendly relationship in the lead up to the 2020 election. In late October, Carter shared a picture of himself with Trump after having a meeting about the administration’s “Platinum Plan,” which was designed to create more opportunity to black communities.
“Just had a great meeting with @realdonaldtrump @potus besides what he’s done so far with criminal reform, the platinum plan is going to give the community real ownership,” Carter tweeted after the meeting. “He listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done.”
Just had a great meeting with @realdonaldtrump @potus besides what he’s done so far with criminal reform, the platinum plan is going to give the community real ownership. He listened to what we had to say today and assured he will and can get it done. ?? pic.twitter.com/Q9c5k1yMWf
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) October 29, 2020
Trump issued 73 pardons and 70 sentence commutations on Wednesday ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
