Trump reduces Chicago gang founder's sentence after lobbying by Kanye West

Donald Trump has commuted the sentence of Larry Hoover Sr. Hoover is a founder of a Chicago gang. This decision followed lobbying from Kanye West, now known as Ye.

On Wednesday, Trump reduced Hoover's six life sentences. He was serving these sentences after a 1998 conviction, according to NBC News. West had previously met with Trump in the Oval Office to discuss Hoover's release.

Hoover will not be freed entirely. Instead, he will be moved to a state prison. He is still serving a separate 200-year sentence for other crimes.

The Gangster Disciples (GDs) were one of Chicago's most notorious gangs. They had rivals like the Black Disciples (BDs).

West welcomed the news and shared photos from a 2021 benefit concert. The concert aimed to "Free Larry Hoover" and featured artist Drake. He expressed gratitude on social media for Trump's decision.

Larry Hoover is considered one of Illinois' most infamous criminals. Prosecutors say he directed violence and drug trafficking from 1970 until 1995.

Hoover's son, Larry Hoover Jr., has long called for his father's release. He appeared in West's song "Jesus Lord" in 2021. From prison, Hoover has renamed the GDs to Growth and Development.

He claims to discourage violence now, but federal prosecutors disagree. During a meeting with Trump in 2018, West advocated for commuting Hoover’s sentence.

West argued that Hoover was imprisoned for doing positive work in his community. He emphasized that Hoover showed he had power beyond being just another voice.

West also mentioned theories about alternate universes during this meeting. He stated it was important to get Hoover out because he feels connected to him in some way.