The short answer? No. But he did commute Larry Hoover’s federal life sentence, which is a big deal, but not the same as a full pardon.

On May 28, 2025, President Donald Trump used his executive powers to commute the federal sentence of Larry Hoover, the co-founder of Chicago’s Gangster Disciples (GDs). That means his federal time was reduced, but his state sentence in Illinois remains in full effect.

🚫 A pardon erases a conviction.
✅ A commutation shortens the sentence but leaves the conviction intact.

👉🏽 Hoover is still incarcerated, just no longer serving time under his federal sentence.

⚖️ Federal vs. State: Why Hoover Isn’t Free Yet

While the federal government no longer requires Hoover to serve life in a supermax prison, the State of Illinois still holds a separate life sentence against him. That stems from a 1973 murder conviction.

So even though Trump intervened federally, Hoover remains in prison under state custody.

🔗 Read ABC7’s breakdown of the current legal status

🌐 Why This Matters

Larry Hoover’s name carries legacy and controversy in Chicago. For decades, he’s been labeled a criminal mastermind. But in recent years, there’s been a push by his legal team and public figures to recognize the transformative work he’s done behind bars, including efforts to promote peace and redirect youth from gang life.

Even Kanye West and Drake brought global attention to Hoover’s case during their 2021 Free Larry Hoover Benefit Concert, adding cultural weight to the conversation about his potential release.

🔗 See the coverage from Baller Alert

🏛️ Why Did Trump Commute His Sentence?

Let’s be real: Trump’s use of presidential clemency powers has always been controversial. Many of his commutations and pardons have benefited high profile or politically connected individuals. Which is still publicity for him and his administration. Still, for communities dealing with over policing and mass incarceration, among other violations of civil and human rights, any shift in how justice is served becomes a moment of reflection and dialogue. So I claim this as a win for us in the hood.

🔗 Check out The Guardian’s analysis of Trump’s pardon strategy

💬 Thoughts

This decision is layered. Larry Hoover’s sentence was reduced because of his pardon of federal charges but he’s not free. Still, it opens the door to wider conversations about:

• Sentencing reform
• Community rehabilitation
• The politics of who gets clemency
• And the ongoing impact of legacy gang leaders in modern movements

Whether you’re from Englewood, the West Side, Auburn-Gresham like me or just someone trying to understand what’s real vs. what’s headlines; stay sharp, stay informed, and keep asking deeper questions because as a solid and native representation of urban culture, in the words of the Honorable Fred Hampton, Leader of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panthers and a Chicago Native:

I Am A Revolutionary; Free Em All !

📌 Original Report Seen by: Kollege Kid