In a surprising move on May 28, 2025, former President Donald Trump issued clemency to two high-profile figures: rapper NBA YoungBoy and former gang leader Larry Hoover. These decisions have sparked widespread discussion across political, legal, and entertainment circles.

NBA YoungBoy Receives Full Presidential Pardon

Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known professionally as NBA YoungBoy, was granted a full presidential pardon by Trump. The Baton Rouge rapper had been serving a nearly two-year sentence for federal gun charges in Utah. He was previously sentenced to 23 months in prison with 60 months of probation for felony weapon possession but had been under home confinement following his release in March. Expressing gratitude, Gaulden thanked Trump, advocate Alice Marie Johnson, and his lawyer Brittany K. Barnett for their roles in securing his pardon. He described the moment as a significant turning point in his life, emphasizing his readiness to embrace a new chapter. Now a free man with no travel restrictions, YoungBoy Never Broke Again is set to embark on a U.S. headlining tour from September to October as reported by Fox News.

Larry Hoover’s Federal Sentence Commuted

Trump also commuted the federal life sentences of Larry Hoover, the 74-year-old co-founder of the Gangster Disciples gang. Hoover had been serving six life terms for running a criminal enterprise from prison. He was initially sentenced in 1973 to 150-200 years for orchestrating the killing of a 19-year-old drug dealer in Chicago. In 1997, he received six life sentences after being convicted of federal charges including drug conspiracy, extortion, money laundering, and engaging in a criminal enterprise.

Hoover has maintained in recent years that he is no longer affiliated with gangs and sought release under the First Step Act, though prosecutors opposed his appeal. His case gained public attention with support from celebrities like Kanye West and Drake, who headlined a “Free Larry Hoover” concert in 2021.

Despite the commutation of his federal sentence, Hoover still faces the remainder of a 200-year state sentence for a 1973 Chicago murder. While in prison for that murder, federal prosecutors said Hoover, one of the founders of the Chicago Gangster Disciples, continued to oversee that gang. He was convicted in 1997 and sentenced to six life sentences in connection with those federal charges. Hoover’s attorney, Jennifer Bonjean, confirmed the commutation, stating that Hoover will still have to serve his sentence on state charges.

Public Reaction and Implications

These clemency decisions have elicited mixed reactions. Supporters argue that both individuals have shown signs of rehabilitation and deserve a second chance. Critics, however, contend that the pardons undermine the justice system and may set a concerning precedent.

Trump’s actions continue his pattern of issuing clemency to high-profile individuals, including rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black during his previous term. The involvement of Alice Marie Johnson, who has become a prominent advocate for criminal justice reform, highlights the ongoing debate over the use of presidential pardon powers via Pitchfork.

As NBA YoungBoy prepares to return to the music scene and Larry Hoover’s legal team navigates the complexities of his remaining sentence, the broader implications of these pardons will likely continue to unfold in the public discourse.