Former President Donald Trump is considering pardoning Fugees member Pras Michel, who faces 22 years in prison for his involvement in the 1MDB scandal. Michel was convicted on 10 federal counts, including conspiracy, witness tampering, and failing to register as an agent of China.

The charges stem from Michel's connection to fugitive businessman Jho Low, who allegedly defrauded Malaysia's 1MDB sovereign wealth fund in what the FBI calls the "largest kleptocracy case to date." Michel's legal team, led by attorney Adam Katz, is currently exploring options for clemency.

Trump's potential pardon appears motivated by several factors, including the recent resignation of Corey Amundson, the former head of the Justice Department's public corruption unit who prosecuted Michel. Amundson resigned after facing pressure from the Trump administration over his involvement in Trump-related investigations.

The two men share a surprising connection: Trump made a cameo on Michel's 1998 solo album "Ghetto Supastar," leaving a voicemail message expressing confidence in Michel's future success. The 1MDB scandal has implicated various high-profile figures, including a former Malaysian prime minister, Goldman Sachs executives, and even attracted attention from actor Leonardo DiCaprio through his association with Jho Low.

Michel's conviction came after a controversial trial where his attorney's misuse of AI during closing arguments drew criticism. While Michel and the White House have not commented directly on the potential pardon, his publicist Erica Dumas maintains optimism about "potential paths forward."

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