Trump Commutes Federal Sentence of Larry Hoover — But He’s Not Free Yet
In a big move that’s getting a lot of attention, former President Donald Trump has decided to commute the federal sentence of Larry Hoover, one of the co-founders of the Gangster Disciples. Hoover is 74 now and had been serving multiple life sentences for serious crimes. With this decision, his federal prison time is essentially over — but it’s important to note that he’s still not walking free. He remains behind bars due to an older state sentence.
The Long History Behind Hoover’s Sentences
Larry Hoover’s time in prison began back in 1973 after he was convicted for his role in the murder of a young drug dealer in Chicago. He was sentenced to 150–200 years for that. But things didn’t stop there. While he was already in prison, federal authorities later charged him in a major investigation in the 1990s. In 1997, he was found guilty of drug trafficking, running a criminal organization, money laundering, and extortion — crimes that led to six more life sentences. Since then, he’s been held at the super-maximum-security ADX Florence prison in Colorado, where inmates spend almost all their time in solitary confinement.
Why Some People Were Pushing for His Release
For years, Hoover’s legal team and supporters have pushed to get his sentence reduced. They’ve argued that he’s changed — that he’s a different person now. They said he’s had no real contact with the outside world for over two decades and that he should be given a second chance. The argument is that the system should recognize rehabilitation, not just punishment. Back in 2021, Kanye West and Drake even held a benefit concert in his name, hoping to shine a spotlight on his case. It worked — at least in getting more people to talk about it.
The Reaction So Far? Mixed. Very Mixed.
Now, with Trump stepping in to reduce his federal sentence, there are a lot of strong opinions on both sides. Some say this is a moment of justice — that people can grow, change, and deserve another chance. Hoover’s family and advocates are relieved and hopeful. But others feel this move is too much, especially considering the serious nature of his crimes. And it’s not like he’s being released tomorrow. Hoover is still serving a 200-year sentence from the 1973 murder conviction under Illinois law. That means his legal journey is far from over.
What Happens Next?
Right now, it’s unclear whether this commutation will have any impact on Hoover’s state sentence. His attorneys are likely to try for more legal relief, but it’s going to be a long process. The case brings up a lot of complicated questions — about justice, about change, and about how much power public figures and politicians should have when it comes to criminal justice. One thing’s for sure: this story is far from done, and people will be watching closely to see where it goes next.
