With Trump's Pardon, Lil Wayne Dodges Potential 10-Year Prison Sentence

President Donald Trump announced his long list of pardons on his last day of presidency, and rapper Lil Wayne made the list of the 143 individuals granted relief. on Wednesday.

Lil Wayne, born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., has been a long-time Trump supporter and endorsed him during his 2020 presidential campaign. The two even met in Miami to discuss plans to increase Black voter turnout just before Election Day.

The 38-year-old rapper was charged with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon in December 2020 and, if convicted, was looking to spend at least 10 years in prison.

He was caught with a gold-plated firearm that his lawyer stated he never operated and was solely a collector’s piece given to him as a gift.

In 2007, he was arrested and later charged with drug and illegal weapon possession. In 2008, he was charged with four different drug and weapon possession felonies.

"President Trump granted a full pardon to Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., also known as 'Lil Wayne,'" the statement from White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany read.

"Mr. Carter pled guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, owing to a conviction over 10 years ago. Brett Berish of Sovereign Brands, who supports a pardon for Mr. Carter, describes him as 'trustworthy, kind-hearted and generous',” she continued.

Many social media users have been posting their opinions on the rapper getting pardoned, as well as other rappers and Black individuals who were granted clemency. Some argue that the pardon doesn’t erase the racist remarks or actions from Trump over the years.

Among the other 73 individuals he pardoned and 70 individuals he granted commuted sentences, a few notables include rapper Kodak Black, Stephen Bannon, Todd Boulanger, Kenneth Kurson, Jawad A. Musa, Michael Liberty and Benedict Olberding.