Prakazrel “Pras” Michel, the Grammy-winning Fugees rapper, received a 14-year prison sentence for channeling millions in illegal foreign funds into Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. Convicted on 10 counts — including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent — Michel faced testimony from high-profile witnesses like Leonardo DiCaprio and former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Prosecutors argued that federal guidelines even supported a life sentence, claiming Michel “betrayed his country for money,” while his defense called the punishment disproportionate and confirmed plans to appeal.
Michel’s attorney Peter Zeidenberg maintained that the government’s recommended penalties were extreme, comparing them to sentences typically imposed for terrorism or cartel-level crimes. The defense criticized how easily sentencing guidelines could be manipulated, asserting they failed to deliver a fair outcome in this case. Although the legal team argued for only three years behind bars, the court ultimately sided with prosecutors, citing the severity and scope of Michel’s actions.
Meanwhile, former President Obama recently encouraged Democrats to welcome socialist voices within the party. Speaking on the “Pod Save America” podcast, he praised newly elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, as part of the party’s future. However, analysts like Chris Cillizza warned that rising support for socialism — reflected in recent polling — could undermine the party’s chances in the 2028 election.