A$AP Rocky Freed From Swedish Jail Ahead of Trial, Trump Tweets Welcoming Him Home

David Wolff – Patrick/Redferns – A$AP Rocky
performs at Le Zenith on June 27, 2019 in Paris, France

Rapper A$AP Rocky, freed from a Swedish jail before his assault trial ruling, was welcomed home by President Donald Trump on Friday.

“A$AP Rocky released from prison and on his way home to the United States from Sweden,” Trump tweeted. “It was a Rocky Week, get home ASAP A$AP!” Notably, Trump correctly used the dollar sign in Rocky’s stage name.

A Stockholm court ruled that A$AP Rocky and his two co-defendants could await the Aug. 14 verdict on his assault charges back home in the U.S.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of my fans, friends and anyone across the globe who supported me during these last few weeks,” Rocky wrote on Instagram. “This has been a very difficult and humbling experience.”

Rocky had been in custody since July 3, when he was detained following accusations of assault that stemmed from a June 30 altercation involving himself and his entourage. Rocky was formally charged on July 25 and pleaded not guilty on July 30. He argued that he and two associates, Bladimir Corniel and David Rispers, were acting in self-defense.

Along the way, Trump used Twitter to call for Rocky’s release. “Just spoke to @KanyeWest about his friend A$AP Rocky’s incarceration,” he wrote on July 19. “I will be calling the very talented Prime Minister of Sweden to see what we can do about helping A$AP Rocky.” The next day, Trump tweeted about a “very good call” with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, saying he had reassured the leader that “A$AP was not a flight risk and offered to personally vouch for his bail.”

Days later, on July 25, Trump’s tone soured, saying he was “very disappointed” in Löfven’s inaction and calling on the official to “Treat Americans fairly!”

Trump’s please came as Swedish authorities stressed the government has no say in legal proceedings.   

Rocky could face jail time in Sweden if convicted, but he will not be required to be in the country for the judgment hearing.