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NBA YoungBoy Says He Left the U.S. Forever, Even After Receiving Trump Pardon

By Ephraim OBare, on August 15, 2026

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Following a full presidential pardon that cleared his federal gun convictions, rapper Kentrell Gaulden has permanently relocated to South Korea.

On May 28, 2025, President Donald Trump granted a full presidential pardon to 25-year-old recording artist Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, professionally known as NBA YoungBoy. The grant of clemency wiped away federal firearm convictions that carried years of potential imprisonment and probation.

Despite regaining complete legal freedom without supervised release or travel restrictions, Gaulden announced he has permanently left the United States. His decision highlights a broader trend at the intersection of executive pardons, federal firearm enforcement statistics, and celebrity expatriation.

Background on the Federal Firearms Charges

Gaulden’s long legal battle involved multi-state federal prosecutions under federal felon-in-possession statutes.

In September 2020, federal authorities arrested Gaulden in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after seizing a Glock 21 .45-caliber pistol and a Masterpiece Arms MPA30T 9mm handgun during a video shoot. Gaulden was federally prohibited from owning firearms due to a prior state conviction for aggravated assault with a firearm.

While under court-ordered house arrest in Huntsville, Utah, federal agents searched Gaulden’s home in April 2024 during a prescription fraud investigation and discovered a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Gaulden later pleaded guilty to consolidated federal charges in late 2024 and received a 23-month prison sentence, 60 months of probation, and a $200,000 fine.

The Executive Clemency Decision

President Donald Trump granted Gaulden a full presidential pardon, terminating his supervised release and restoring his travel rights.

The pardon issued on May 28, 2025, completely relieved Gaulden of his five-year probation term and mandatory drug testing. Following the announcement, Gaulden released a statement thanking President Trump, Pardon Czar Alice Marie Johnson, and defense attorney Brittany K. Barnett.

His attorney, Drew Findling, confirmed the pardon, while touring agent Andrew Lieber noted that Gaulden became “a fully free man now, with no travel restrictions.” This act of clemency fits a pattern of high-profile pardons granted to hip-hop artists, including previous pardons for Lil Wayne and Kodak Black.

Permanent Relocation and Health Disclosures

 

Gaulden permanently settled in South Korea after receiving his pardon, while also revealing a serious cardiac health condition.

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In an interview recorded in South Korea with Funny Marco for the Open Thoughts series, Gaulden confirmed his decision to leave America behind. He praised his new home, stating, “It’s very safe here and clean,” and added that he appreciates being far away from domestic conflicts.

When asked directly whether he plans to return to the United States in the future, Gaulden answered, “Never in life.” He explained that while he is a father to at least 11 children with eight women, air travel makes maintaining family connections manageable.

Gaulden also disclosed a significant medical diagnosis during the interview, revealing that doctors found the left side of his heart was swollen. He cited this cardiac issue as a primary reason for stepping back from his intensive studio recording schedule.

The gun violence epidemic
Image Credit: enterline via 123RF

Federal firearm charges under Section 922(g) make up a large share of federal prosecutions and show clear demographic trends.

Gaulden’s legal case reflects broader trends in federal law enforcement across the United States. According to the United States Sentencing Commission, federal courts sentenced thousands of individuals for firearm possession in Fiscal Year 2025.

The data shows that 98% of individuals convicted under § 922(g) received prison sentences. Furthermore, 59% of those sentenced were Black, underlining ongoing discussions around federal firearm prosecution practices.

The combination of presidential clemency, cardiac health challenges, and international relocation marks a permanent transition in Gaulden’s life and career.

  • Executive Clemency Relief: President Donald Trump granted Gaulden a full pardon on May 28, 2025, erasing his federal convictions in Louisiana and Utah.
  • Expatriation to South Korea: Upon gaining unrestricted travel rights, Gaulden permanently moved to South Korea, citing safety and cleanliness.
  • Career Deceleration: After being diagnosed with a swollen left ventricle, Gaulden decided to retire from active touring after one final tour and two final albums.

How do high-profile presidential pardons and permanent international relocations by major artists shape your view of the American justice system?

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