Pras Michel, Grammy-winning rapper and founding member of the iconic group the Fugees, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for his role in a sprawling illegal campaign finance and foreign influence scheme. The sentencing was handed down on November 20, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly in Washington, D.C., following Michel’s conviction in April 2023 on charges including conspiracy, money laundering, acting as an unregistered foreign agent, and witness tampering.

At the heart of the scandal was Michel’s involvement in funneling over $120 million from fugitive Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho—known as Jho Low—into the 2012 reelection campaign of former President Barack Obama. Prosecutors detailed how Michel helped hide the origin of foreign donations through shell companies and straw donors, violating U.S. campaign finance laws that prohibit foreign contributions. Beyond the Obama campaign, Michel also engaged in illegal lobbying efforts during the Trump administration to obstruct investigations into Low’s role in the notorious 1MDB scandal, a massive Malaysian sovereign wealth fund corruption case.

Prosecutors described Michel as having “betrayed his country for financial gain,” persistently lying and manipulating government entities over nearly a decade. They advocated for a life sentence, emphasizing the severity of his offenses and the threat posed to U.S. national security. Testimonies during the high-profile trial included notable figures such as Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Michel’s defense team condemned the harsh sentence as “entirely disproportionate,” arguing that similar cases resulted in lighter penalties, and pointed out that Michel received no espionage charges—a key consideration in foreign agent prosecutions. They announced plans to appeal the verdict and sentence. Following the prison term, Michel faces three years of supervised release and forfeiture of more than $64 million tied to the illegal campaign finance activity.

Michel, who shot to fame in the 1990s as part of the Fugees alongside Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, now confronts a dramatic fall from grace that underscores the extensive consequences of illicit foreign influence in American politics. Despite this setback, his representatives remain grateful for the support received, stating that this chapter does not mark the end of his journey.

This landmark case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding U.S. elections from covert foreign interference and the serious repercussions for those who betray democratic principles for financial gain.bbc+4​

1. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg7n7l70vzgo
2. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/21/fugees-rapper-sentenced-to-14-years-in-prison-over-illegal-obama-donations
3. https://www.wsj.com/us-news/fugees-member-sentenced-to-14-years-for-campaign-donation-scheme-7bbb7850
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow4bcn8mkIM
5. https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/11/21/fugees-rapper-pras-michel-sentenced-to-14-years-in-prison-in-us-campaign-financing-scandal_6747698_4.html
6. https://www.politico.com/newsletters/politico-influence/2025/11/20/fugees-star-sentenced-to-14-years-in-fara-case-00664124
7. https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/us-entertainer-convicted-engaging-foreign-influence-campaign
8. https://apnews.com/article/852e3aa86a604597b99c5e81179a7b6b
9. https://www.reddit.com/r/hiphopheads/comments/11g6you/the_fugee_the_fugitive_and_the_fbi_how_rapper/

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.

Donald Trump escalated the political drama surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein scandal this week by publicly pressing for the release of all Epstein-related documents, accusing his political rival, former President Bill Clinton, of conspiring to hide damaging information.

Trump’s dramatic call for transparency marks a sharp pivot in his approach to the years-long controversy over Epstein’s criminal network and its ties to influential figures. On November 16, he urged House Republicans to vote to release all files connected to Epstein, declaring on social media, “We have nothing to hide” and insisting investigations must now focus on Clinton and other Democrats.

This development follows the recent release of thousands of pages of documents including emails and communication logs that implicate various high-profile personalities. Epstein’s emails allegedly suggest Trump was aware of some of Epstein’s illicit activities, while Clinton’s involvement remains fiercely contested. Trump’s accusations that Clinton tried to cover up his ties to Epstein have reignited fierce debate.

Clinton’s team denies any knowledge of Epstein’s wrongdoing. His spokesperson emphasized that Clinton had “no involvement in Epstein’s crimes,” disputing claims that he ever visited Epstein’s private island—a claim directly challenged by some newly surfaced evidence from the released files.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department has confirmed it will launch a comprehensive investigation into Epstein’s connections across political, financial, and social circles, including ties to both Trump and Clinton. The decision follows Trump’s public directive and amid growing public and congressional pressure. A House vote to release even more Epstein-related documents is imminent, promising to bring further revelations.

As the Epstein saga unfolds anew, the political fallout deepens, with Trump and Clinton facing renewed scrutiny. The battle over these files could define political narratives for months to come, with implications for future elections and public trust in the political establishment.

This story will continue developing as more files are released and investigations proceed.