Grammy-winning hip-hop star Pras Michel was convicted Wednesday of 10 counts related to a "clandestine foreign influence campaign scheme" funded by Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho. The scheme involved payments to Barack Obama's 2012 presidential reelection campaign and efforts to influence the Trump administration to drop an extradition case on behalf of China. Leonardo DiCaprio and Jeff Sessions testified in the trial, and Michel faces up to 20 years in prison. The case has highlighted the potential for foreign influence in American politics.
Posts tagged as “Charles Michel”
Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Pras Michel is on trial in Washington, D.C. for allegedly conspiring to make illegal campaign contributions and failing to register as an agent of China. He has taken the stand in his own defense, claiming that he accepted $20 million from a Malaysian businessman and used it to pay friends to donate to a political campaign. Prosecutors allege that Michel was attempting to gain access, peddle influence, and make money. Michel's testimony is ongoing and will provide insight into the case.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reached a new deal on post-Brexit trade rules for Northern Ireland, which requires the region to follow some EU rules while still remaining part of the UK. The agreement has been welcomed by the EU and the UK government, and is seen as a major breakthrough in the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the EU. Sunak now faces the challenge of selling the deal to his own party, while also ensuring it is accepted by the EU.