Larry Hoover, shown in this 1995 file photo, founded the Gangster Disciples organisation
In a dramatic wave of clemency orders, former President Donald Trump commuted the federal sentence of Larry Hoover, founder of the Gangster Disciples. Hoover’s sentence reduction came alongside more than two dozen pardons and commutations issued in a single day.
Who Is Larry Hoover?
Larry Hoover, 74, was once the feared leader of the Gangster Disciples. The gang, born on Chicago’s South Side, grew into a powerful national network under his command. In 1973, Hoover was convicted for orchestrating the murder of a rival. Despite his imprisonment, federal authorities claimed he continued directing gang operations.
In the 1990s, Hoover rebranded his movement as “Growth and Development,” a political and social justice initiative. Yet, that effort failed to convince prosecutors and judges, who in 1997 sentenced him to six life terms for conspiracy, drug trafficking, and extortion.
While Hoover’s federal sentence has now been commuted, he still faces a 200-year state sentence in Illinois for a separate murder conviction. State-level punishments cannot be altered by a presidential pardon.
Hoover’s Public Break From Gang Life
Hoover has recently pushed for criminal justice reform. He voiced support for the First Step Act, a law Trump signed in 2018 to reduce recidivism and allow reduced sentences for certain inmates.
In 2022, Hoover wrote a letter disavowing his gang ties. “I am no longer a member, leader, or even an elder statesman of the Gangster Disciples,” he stated. “I want nothing to do with it now and forever.”
Despite his claims, federal prosecutors alleged as recently as 2021 that Hoover still exerts influence over the gang from behind bars.
After the sentence commutation, Hoover’s lawyer Justin Moore posted online: “We got Larry Hoover out of federal prison — when many said it was impossible… Illinois must send him home for good.”
A Flurry of Pardons
Alongside Hoover, Trump pardoned several high-profile individuals. This includes former New York Congressman Michael Grimm, who had pleaded guilty to tax fraud and served seven months in prison.
Others granted clemency on the same day include:
- John Rowland, former Connecticut governor, convicted of election fraud
- Kentrell Gaulden (NBA YoungBoy), a rapper with multiple weapons and drug charges
- Kevin Eric Baisden, a convicted fraudster
- Mark Bashaw, an army officer convicted of violating COVID-19 protocols
- Tanner Mansell and John Moore, convicted of sea theft after releasing sharks meant for research
- Michael Harris, co-founder of Death Row Records, who had previously received a commuted sentence from Trump
Trump also granted pardons to reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were convicted of tax evasion and bank fraud.
Trump’s Pardon Record
During his time in office, Trump has become known for his generous use of presidential pardons. In his second term alone, he has pardoned over 40 individuals, many of whom were connected to the January 6 Capitol riot.
According to the Pew Research Center, Trump granted 237 pardons and commutations during his first term — most of them in his final month in office.
What Is a Presidential Pardon?
A presidential pardon forgives a person for a federal crime, restoring their rights and clearing their criminal record. A commutation, however, reduces the severity of a sentence without erasing the conviction.
A president cannot alter state convictions. This limitation leaves Hoover’s fate still tied to Illinois authorities, despite his federal sentence being lifted.
Trump Eyes More Pardons
Trump hinted that more clemency actions could come soon. He even said he would review the case of men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2020.
"I did watch the trial,” he told reporters. “It looked to me like somewhat of a railroad job... like some people said some stupid things.”
Trump’s latest actions suggest his clemency legacy will remain a controversial and highly debated aspect of his presidency.
