R. Kelly petitions Trump for commutation of 30-year sentence
R. Kelly has formally asked President Trump to reduce his 30-year federal prison term, a request that is listed as pending with the White House Office of the Pardon Attorney.
The Justice Department’s website shows that convicted singer R. Kelly has submitted a clemency request seeking a commutation of his 30-year sentence for racketeering and sex-trafficking convictions. The filing, which became public after being reported by the Chicago Tribune, is recorded as pending with the White House Office of the Pardon Attorney, though the supporting documents have not been released.
"This appears to be a random submission through the public portal which anyone can submit an application through," a White House official told Rolling Stone. "The submission of a pardon request should not be interpreted to mean anything other than an individual has chosen to submit a request. The team that reviews clemency requests at the White House is not tracking this request at this time. The White House has a thorough review process for all clemency requests, with the President being the ultimate decider."
Kelly, 59, was found guilty on all counts in a 2021 federal trial in Brooklyn, including racketeering, sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of children, kidnapping and forced labor. In June 2025 his attorney Beau B. Brindley filed a motion for a new trial and asked for Kelly’s release on bond, citing health concerns and alleged threats to his safety. Brindley said he would appeal directly to President Donald Trump, stating that Kelly’s situation required urgent intervention.
A Chicago federal judge has not yet ruled on Brindley’s motion for a new trial, and a request for bond was denied.