"I Believed I Would Receive the Medal of Honor"
Lev Parnas, a self-identified "hustler" who transitioned into a campaign operative for Donald Trump, has emerged as the latest reluctant hero of the resistance left.
TroibNews 
MIAMI — On a warm evening in mid-May, Lev Parnas stepped into a recording studio in Miami, took his seat behind a microphone, and, over the course of about three hours, unleashed his criticisms against his former idol.
“People don't want to realize to what extent Donald Trump micromanages and is aware of all the corruption and criminality that’s going on,” Parnas stated.
“Don’t forget that Donald Trump loves Vladimir Putin,” he added.
“It’s a contract marriage,” he remarked regarding Trump’s relationship with Melania. “Most oligarchs, they have the same thing.”
While this was not an entirely novel criticism of the former president, Parnas was navigating his newfound position as a critic of Trump. In 2019, he had been a staunch Trump supporter, famously involved in efforts to dig up dirt on the Bidens in Ukraine, which earned him considerable media attention. However, those actions also led to a campaign finance conviction, resulting in his imprisonment, from where he transitioned to home confinement in September 2023. When I met him in May, he had recently rebranded himself as an anti-Trump podcaster. His show, “Lev Remembers,” was attracting a modest audience of a few thousand live listeners. Yet, the podcast was merely one of the tools Parnas was using to regain the prominence and influence he once enjoyed effortlessly.
In February, Parnas released his book, *Shadow Diplomacy: Lev Parnas and His Wild Ride from Brooklyn to Trump’s Inner Circle*. By March, he testified before Congress, aiming to undermine the GOP-led impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden. Earlier this month, Rachel Maddow debuted an MSNBC Films documentary about Parnas’ life titled “From Russia With Lev,” which attracted sold-out audiences in cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The documentary's MSNBC premiere garnered an average viewership of 2.2 million on September 20. Last Wednesday, Parnas participated in a campaign event for Paula Collins, a Democrat challenging one of Trump’s key allies, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik. Additionally, anti-Trump activists are organizing a “Tour America With Lev” event, bringing Parnas to audiences across North Carolina, Wisconsin, and beyond in the lead-up to the election. The organizers state the mission is “to Save Democracy One Story at a Time.”
Parnas himself recognizes the irony of being considered a champion of democracy. With a chipped front tooth, a silver chain around his neck, and sock-less black loafers, he has the appearance of someone more suited to collecting gambling debts or checking I.D.s at a nightclub. He openly admits he used to manage cash for the mob in New York City.
It’s essential to remember Parnas’ role in the political underbelly he now critiques. He has recounted frequently that around five-and-a-half years ago, he was tasked by then-President Trump to travel to Ukraine and dig up enough dirt to tarnish Biden’s presidential candidacy. Working closely with Rudy Giuliani over ten months, Parnas engaged with various Ukrainian officials, prosecutors, and oligarchs in search of evidence purportedly showing Biden's abuse of power to shield his son, Hunter. Ultimately, he did not find the incriminating evidence he sought—because, as Parnas now suggests, there wasn't any to be found—yet he succeeded in launching a baseless smear that became central to Trump’s first impeachment in 2019 and has resurfaced in the ongoing Republican-led impeachment inquiry of Biden.
The catalyst for Parnas’ pivot from strong Trump supporter to critic remains a subject of speculation, though it’s clear it occurred after his arrest on campaign finance charges in October 2019. When his MAGA supporters did not come to his aid, and Trump himself claimed to not know him, Parnas turned against the president, asserting that Trump “knew exactly what was going on” with his Ukraine operations. He also turned over extensive documents to Congress that supported much of his version of events. Today, he is intent on amplifying his narrative to restore his reputation, prevent Trump from securing a second term, and, perhaps most surprisingly, to help clear Hunter Biden of the accusations Parnas previously perpetuated.
“I’m looking for atonement,” Parnas shared. “I want to make up for what I did.”
This dramatic transformation mirrors the trajectory of figures like Michael Cohen, where a former Trump loyalist distances himself from the former president after exposure of wrongdoing, confesses publicly, and then rebrands as a hero of the opposition.
Yet, the question looms: Is Parnas genuinely a reformed individual, or is he merely capitalizing on a new opportunity?
Opinions on his sincerity vary. As the election nears, Parnas has found support within the anti-Trump movement. “Sometimes it takes someone like this to be able to reveal some truths that we absolutely need,” advised Scott Dworkin, executive director of the Democratic Coalition, a progressive grassroots group.
However, federal prosecutors who pursued his case argue that Parnas remains self-serving. “[N]othing about Parnas’s crimes or the conduct since his arrest shows that he has truly changed,” federal prosecutors declared in a June 2022 filing related to his sentencing. They noted that the theme of Parnas’ criminal activity revolved around lying and swindling to gain influence and power, suggesting his current actions are similarly self-interested. They added that he has effectively “cashed in on his notoriety,” pointing to the $120,000 payment he received from a production company for the documentary about him.
Parnas insists that his primary goal leading up to Election Day is to ensure Trump does not regain the presidency. Simultaneously, he hopes to utilize the attention gained from this renewed notoriety—combined with his previous fame—to launch a fresh career. While the specifics remain vague, he anticipates opportunities such as speaking engagements, appearances as a political commentator, another book deal, or perhaps even a deal for a TV series based on his life.
He bristles at the notion that this new campaign may be driven by profit motives. However, his history raises questions since he entered Trump’s circle aiming to leverage those connections for financial gain. Now, he expresses hope that his anti-Trump initiatives may also yield personal rewards. “I have a lot of knowledge of world events, current events, political events,” he stated, “where I think I could also be able to monetize it into a career financially for going forward.”
“You never know,” Parnas mused. “Maybe one day I’ll decide to run for office.”
Parnas’ journey into and out of Trump’s sphere occurred in a relatively short span—about four years elapsed from his initial encounter with Trump to his imprisonment. Yet, elements of this trajectory trace back through a lifetime of opportunism.
Growing up in Brighton Beach, a community rich in Soviet-Jewish immigrants, Parnas recounted stealing baseball cards from memorabilia conventions to resell in the neighborhood. Following his father's death in 1983, he felt compelled to support his mother and sister. “I basically made a decision that I’m going to work,” he recalled. “And make that American dream happen for my family.”
At the age of 15, he dropped out of high school, acquired a fake I.D., and began selling real estate. One day, while showing an apartment to an older gentleman, he was surprised to find out it was Fred Trump, Donald Trump’s father and the owner of the apartments he was selling. For a young immigrant, the Trump name represented the pinnacle of success. “The wealthy of the wealthy,” Parnas reflected, “something that I always dreamed [of] and aspired to be.”
When his employers discovered he was underage, they let him go, leading him to start working as a runner for the Russian mob, transporting cash skimmed from local gas stations. “I [would] typically have like anywhere from five to $10 million in cash [in] my trunk every day,” he recounted.
In subsequent years, Parnas worked as a securities broker for three firms that the Wall Street Journal later reported would be expelled from the industry. He faced legal troubles, including a lawsuit from a New York family trust for allegedly failing to repay a $350,000 bridge loan tied to a movie venture. Although a judge ultimately ruled against him, Parnas disputes the characterization of the dispute, painting it as merely a failed business deal.
In 2013, he launched a new venture aimed at insuring investors against losses from fraudulent activities, naming it Fraud Guarantee—partly to obscure the controversies surrounding him. Years later, however, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud linked to Fraud Guarantee, during which he and an accomplice defrauded investors of over $2.3 million. One victim, pro-Trump lawyer Charles Gucciardo, who lost $500,000, labeled Parnas a self-serving “pompous conniving” figure whose actions showed he did not care about the consequences for others.
By 2015, Parnas was living in Boca Raton, Florida, with his third wife and four children when he reconnected with the Trump name. In a social setting prior to Trump’s presidential campaign, Parnas had secured a photo with Donald Trump at an event for Ivanka’s jewelry line. After learning Trump was running for president from his son, Parnas sought VIP access to a Trump rally, where he and his son shared a moment with Trump. Parnas recounted informing Trump of his past selling Trump-owned apartments, leading to Trump’s offhand comment that his son could work in the White House were Trump elected.
Feeling a bond with Trump due to their similar backgrounds, Parnas was drawn into the allure of political power. “Because where I came from, the streets of Brooklyn, people like us don’t get to those levels,” he stated.
In the fall of 2016, after receiving a significant donation from a wealthy Trump supporter, Parnas helped host a fundraiser that required a $50,000 contribution. The check constituted both support for Trump and a strategic move to network with potential investors for a real estate endeavor he was developing. “It was a huge bet,” he said. “I didn’t pay rent that month, I'll put it to you that way.”
The gamble paid dividends. He personally secured Trump’s autograph on the photo from their earlier encounter, reveling in the opportunity to mingle with prominent figures from Trump’s circle. Eventually, he developed a close rapport with Giuliani, who admired Parnas’ past and enjoyed their shared background.
In November 2018, Parnas, his partner Igor Fruman, and Giuliani met at a New York City cigar club, where Giuliani mentioned hearing rumors about potential Ukrainian influence in the 2016 election. In response, Parnas told Giuliani about Biden's involvement in Ukrainian matters, providing context that served to illustrate his value to Giuliani. This discussion eventually led to Parnas’ expedition to Ukraine at Giuliani's request, tasked with tracking down the ousted prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, to gather information about the Biden-Burisma situation.
As Parnas narrates, although he reached out to multiple officials and organized meetings in pursuit of evidence against Biden, nothing concrete materialized. Despite this, he described himself as a clandestine hero on a sensitive mission. “Here I am on a secret mission sent by the president of the United States,” he said. “I thought I was being a hero.”
Alongside seeking dirt on the Bidens, Parnas was simultaneously pursuing business ventures in Ukraine, banking on future opportunities in the energy sector. However, he remained fixated on the mission assigned to him, hoping to garner recognition.
Parnas’ illicit activities culminated on October 9, 2019, when he and Fruman were arrested at Virginia's Dulles International Airport due to campaign finance violations linked to their illegal financial schemes, not their pursuit of Biden.
In his initial days in jail, Parnas remained optimistic, expecting support from his influential connections. Ultimately, as he realized his allies had abandoned him, the sense of betrayal led him to reassess his past. He began to recognize his role as a political guinea pig rather than an elite operator. “The hustler,” Parnas claimed, “was hustled.”
Days after his arrest, Parnas’ attorney reached out to federal prosecutors, expressing his distress at Trump’s denials and his willingness to cooperate. When he began providing information, prosecutors deemed it not credible and contradicted by evidence. Parnas has denied giving false information.
Eventually, unable to negotiate with prosecutors, Parnas turned to the media, supplying Congress with thousands of documents that detailed his communication with Giuliani and others from his operations in Ukraine. On January 15, 2020, the day before the first impeachment trial of Trump, Parnas appeared on MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow show, directly implicating the Trump administration. “President Trump knew exactly what was going on,” he stated. “I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president.”
This provocative interview drew an immense audience and transformed Parnas into an anti-Trump figure. However, prosecutors suggested that his media strategy appeared aimed at securing immunity rather than genuine truth-telling.
In the following months, Parnas faced legal repercussions, ultimately found guilty of campaign finance violations and pleading guilty to wire fraud in connection to the Fraud Guarantee case. In June 2022, he was sentenced to 20 months in prison and expressed remorse during his sentencing, although he later referred to the charges as “technical bullshit.”
By the time he entered prison in September 2022, public interest in his story had waned. Parnas, however, sought to reclaim the spotlight, collaborating on a memoir, participating in a documentary, and launching a podcast upon his release to home confinement. This media venture was inspired by figures like Cohen, aiming to amplify his voice.
As Trump prepared another campaign, Parnas began discussions about speaking engagements that would share his experiences and warn against a potential Trump re-election. His aim now is to leverage attention from both his past and current endeavors for a new career following the elections. He remains uncertain about his direction, considering potential book deals or punditry, and amusingly contemplating a future in politics himself.
“My message is that this is not an election about policies, about Democrats or Republicans,” Parnas insisted. “It’s an election about saving American democracy.”
Once the election concludes, however, Parnas’ relevance may fade further, especially as the political landscape shifts. With the potential decline of the Biden family’s public narrative, Parnas’ claim to significance might diminish as well, leading to a situation where the attention he seeks ultimately evaporates.As the election approaches, Parnas finds himself at a crossroads, with his role in the political narrative shifting beneath his feet. The attention he garnered during the impeachment inquiries and his subsequent media appearances showcased a complex figure caught between past misdeeds and a newfound purpose. Yet, many are skeptical of his motivations, questioning whether they stem from a genuine desire for atonement or simply the instinct to capitalize on fleeting fame.
Parnas navigates this skepticism as he prepares for his “Tour America With Lev.” His team is working diligently to set up speaking engagements that will take him to key states that could swing the election, positioning him as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political corruption and the threats to democracy posed by former allies like Trump.
“People want to hear the truth,” Parnas said about the tour while emphasizing his commitment to sharing his experiences. “I’m here to show what happens when you get involved with the wrong people and how easily you can be used.”
However, the irony of his message—that he once sought power and influence through unscrupulous means—elicits mixed reactions. While some in the anti-Trump movement view him as a potential whistleblower with valuable insights, others regard him as a self-serving opportunist whose transformation is more about personal survival than moral reconsideration.
In interviews, Parnas acknowledges the dissonance of his situation. He understands that many will never fully embrace him as a credible voice for change. His past associations with organized crime and manipulative politics loom large over his brand, making it difficult for some to accept his shift in narrative as authentic. Still, he presses on, fueled by the notion that his story might resonate with others disillusioned by political corruption.
Faced with the possibility that Trump could regain the presidency, Parnas expresses a sense of urgency. “We can’t afford to go back to that,” he asserted. “We’ve seen what happens when someone like him is in power.” This urgency is reflected not just in his rhetoric but in his actions—rallying support from like-minded individuals, engaging with media outlets, and participating in events designed to galvanize opposition to Trump.
As the campaign season intensifies, the landscape of political discourse is constantly shifting. Parnas finds himself in a position where his voice might serve both as a warning and a reminder of the stakes involved in the upcoming election. While navigating this complex terrain, he also appears to be laying the groundwork for any potential future endeavors that align with his new mission.
In the interim, he is making a conscious effort to distance himself from past associations that might hinder his credibility. Engaging with progressive movements, attending rallies, and participating in panels alongside political activists reflect his commitment to this new identity. The hope is that by surrounding himself with advocates for democracy, he can reinforce his narrative as someone seeking redemption rather than profit.
Yet, the financial aspect remains in play. Parnas has indicated that he still views opportunities for financial gain as part of the strategy moving forward. “There’s nothing wrong with making a living while fighting for what you believe in,” he argued, striking a tone that emphasizes the potential synergy between activism and entrepreneurship.
As Parnas embarks on this new chapter, the response from audiences will be pivotal. Will he be embraced as an ally in the fight against Trump and a champion for democratic values? Or will skepticism about his sincerity and opportunistic history overshadow his efforts, leading to a quick return to obscurity?
The upcoming months will test not only his resolve but also the American public's capacity for forgiveness and belief in redemption. If he can successfully convey his message and resonate with voters seeking change, he may carve out a niche for himself in the evolving political landscape. Conversely, failure to connect could leave him as another fleeting example of a political figure whose moment in the spotlight was brief and marred by a complicated past.
Ultimately, however, whether Parnas' plans materialize into a lasting legacy or become an anecdote in political history will depend on how he navigates the complex interplay of redemption, authenticity, and ambition in a world that often rewards those who dare to traverse the blurry lines of morality. The clock is ticking, and as Election Day nears, the verdict on Parnas' rebranding efforts will soon be rendered by an electorate that is both weary and wary of the very narratives he seeks to sell.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
“People don't want to realize to what extent Donald Trump micromanages and is aware of all the corruption and criminality that’s going on,” Parnas stated.
“Don’t forget that Donald Trump loves Vladimir Putin,” he added.
“It’s a contract marriage,” he remarked regarding Trump’s relationship with Melania. “Most oligarchs, they have the same thing.”
While this was not an entirely novel criticism of the former president, Parnas was navigating his newfound position as a critic of Trump. In 2019, he had been a staunch Trump supporter, famously involved in efforts to dig up dirt on the Bidens in Ukraine, which earned him considerable media attention. However, those actions also led to a campaign finance conviction, resulting in his imprisonment, from where he transitioned to home confinement in September 2023. When I met him in May, he had recently rebranded himself as an anti-Trump podcaster. His show, “Lev Remembers,” was attracting a modest audience of a few thousand live listeners. Yet, the podcast was merely one of the tools Parnas was using to regain the prominence and influence he once enjoyed effortlessly.
In February, Parnas released his book, *Shadow Diplomacy: Lev Parnas and His Wild Ride from Brooklyn to Trump’s Inner Circle*. By March, he testified before Congress, aiming to undermine the GOP-led impeachment inquiry against President Joe Biden. Earlier this month, Rachel Maddow debuted an MSNBC Films documentary about Parnas’ life titled “From Russia With Lev,” which attracted sold-out audiences in cities like New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The documentary's MSNBC premiere garnered an average viewership of 2.2 million on September 20. Last Wednesday, Parnas participated in a campaign event for Paula Collins, a Democrat challenging one of Trump’s key allies, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik. Additionally, anti-Trump activists are organizing a “Tour America With Lev” event, bringing Parnas to audiences across North Carolina, Wisconsin, and beyond in the lead-up to the election. The organizers state the mission is “to Save Democracy One Story at a Time.”
Parnas himself recognizes the irony of being considered a champion of democracy. With a chipped front tooth, a silver chain around his neck, and sock-less black loafers, he has the appearance of someone more suited to collecting gambling debts or checking I.D.s at a nightclub. He openly admits he used to manage cash for the mob in New York City.
It’s essential to remember Parnas’ role in the political underbelly he now critiques. He has recounted frequently that around five-and-a-half years ago, he was tasked by then-President Trump to travel to Ukraine and dig up enough dirt to tarnish Biden’s presidential candidacy. Working closely with Rudy Giuliani over ten months, Parnas engaged with various Ukrainian officials, prosecutors, and oligarchs in search of evidence purportedly showing Biden's abuse of power to shield his son, Hunter. Ultimately, he did not find the incriminating evidence he sought—because, as Parnas now suggests, there wasn't any to be found—yet he succeeded in launching a baseless smear that became central to Trump’s first impeachment in 2019 and has resurfaced in the ongoing Republican-led impeachment inquiry of Biden.
The catalyst for Parnas’ pivot from strong Trump supporter to critic remains a subject of speculation, though it’s clear it occurred after his arrest on campaign finance charges in October 2019. When his MAGA supporters did not come to his aid, and Trump himself claimed to not know him, Parnas turned against the president, asserting that Trump “knew exactly what was going on” with his Ukraine operations. He also turned over extensive documents to Congress that supported much of his version of events. Today, he is intent on amplifying his narrative to restore his reputation, prevent Trump from securing a second term, and, perhaps most surprisingly, to help clear Hunter Biden of the accusations Parnas previously perpetuated.
“I’m looking for atonement,” Parnas shared. “I want to make up for what I did.”
This dramatic transformation mirrors the trajectory of figures like Michael Cohen, where a former Trump loyalist distances himself from the former president after exposure of wrongdoing, confesses publicly, and then rebrands as a hero of the opposition.
Yet, the question looms: Is Parnas genuinely a reformed individual, or is he merely capitalizing on a new opportunity?
Opinions on his sincerity vary. As the election nears, Parnas has found support within the anti-Trump movement. “Sometimes it takes someone like this to be able to reveal some truths that we absolutely need,” advised Scott Dworkin, executive director of the Democratic Coalition, a progressive grassroots group.
However, federal prosecutors who pursued his case argue that Parnas remains self-serving. “[N]othing about Parnas’s crimes or the conduct since his arrest shows that he has truly changed,” federal prosecutors declared in a June 2022 filing related to his sentencing. They noted that the theme of Parnas’ criminal activity revolved around lying and swindling to gain influence and power, suggesting his current actions are similarly self-interested. They added that he has effectively “cashed in on his notoriety,” pointing to the $120,000 payment he received from a production company for the documentary about him.
Parnas insists that his primary goal leading up to Election Day is to ensure Trump does not regain the presidency. Simultaneously, he hopes to utilize the attention gained from this renewed notoriety—combined with his previous fame—to launch a fresh career. While the specifics remain vague, he anticipates opportunities such as speaking engagements, appearances as a political commentator, another book deal, or perhaps even a deal for a TV series based on his life.
He bristles at the notion that this new campaign may be driven by profit motives. However, his history raises questions since he entered Trump’s circle aiming to leverage those connections for financial gain. Now, he expresses hope that his anti-Trump initiatives may also yield personal rewards. “I have a lot of knowledge of world events, current events, political events,” he stated, “where I think I could also be able to monetize it into a career financially for going forward.”
“You never know,” Parnas mused. “Maybe one day I’ll decide to run for office.”
Parnas’ journey into and out of Trump’s sphere occurred in a relatively short span—about four years elapsed from his initial encounter with Trump to his imprisonment. Yet, elements of this trajectory trace back through a lifetime of opportunism.
Growing up in Brighton Beach, a community rich in Soviet-Jewish immigrants, Parnas recounted stealing baseball cards from memorabilia conventions to resell in the neighborhood. Following his father's death in 1983, he felt compelled to support his mother and sister. “I basically made a decision that I’m going to work,” he recalled. “And make that American dream happen for my family.”
At the age of 15, he dropped out of high school, acquired a fake I.D., and began selling real estate. One day, while showing an apartment to an older gentleman, he was surprised to find out it was Fred Trump, Donald Trump’s father and the owner of the apartments he was selling. For a young immigrant, the Trump name represented the pinnacle of success. “The wealthy of the wealthy,” Parnas reflected, “something that I always dreamed [of] and aspired to be.”
When his employers discovered he was underage, they let him go, leading him to start working as a runner for the Russian mob, transporting cash skimmed from local gas stations. “I [would] typically have like anywhere from five to $10 million in cash [in] my trunk every day,” he recounted.
In subsequent years, Parnas worked as a securities broker for three firms that the Wall Street Journal later reported would be expelled from the industry. He faced legal troubles, including a lawsuit from a New York family trust for allegedly failing to repay a $350,000 bridge loan tied to a movie venture. Although a judge ultimately ruled against him, Parnas disputes the characterization of the dispute, painting it as merely a failed business deal.
In 2013, he launched a new venture aimed at insuring investors against losses from fraudulent activities, naming it Fraud Guarantee—partly to obscure the controversies surrounding him. Years later, however, he pleaded guilty to wire fraud linked to Fraud Guarantee, during which he and an accomplice defrauded investors of over $2.3 million. One victim, pro-Trump lawyer Charles Gucciardo, who lost $500,000, labeled Parnas a self-serving “pompous conniving” figure whose actions showed he did not care about the consequences for others.
By 2015, Parnas was living in Boca Raton, Florida, with his third wife and four children when he reconnected with the Trump name. In a social setting prior to Trump’s presidential campaign, Parnas had secured a photo with Donald Trump at an event for Ivanka’s jewelry line. After learning Trump was running for president from his son, Parnas sought VIP access to a Trump rally, where he and his son shared a moment with Trump. Parnas recounted informing Trump of his past selling Trump-owned apartments, leading to Trump’s offhand comment that his son could work in the White House were Trump elected.
Feeling a bond with Trump due to their similar backgrounds, Parnas was drawn into the allure of political power. “Because where I came from, the streets of Brooklyn, people like us don’t get to those levels,” he stated.
In the fall of 2016, after receiving a significant donation from a wealthy Trump supporter, Parnas helped host a fundraiser that required a $50,000 contribution. The check constituted both support for Trump and a strategic move to network with potential investors for a real estate endeavor he was developing. “It was a huge bet,” he said. “I didn’t pay rent that month, I'll put it to you that way.”
The gamble paid dividends. He personally secured Trump’s autograph on the photo from their earlier encounter, reveling in the opportunity to mingle with prominent figures from Trump’s circle. Eventually, he developed a close rapport with Giuliani, who admired Parnas’ past and enjoyed their shared background.
In November 2018, Parnas, his partner Igor Fruman, and Giuliani met at a New York City cigar club, where Giuliani mentioned hearing rumors about potential Ukrainian influence in the 2016 election. In response, Parnas told Giuliani about Biden's involvement in Ukrainian matters, providing context that served to illustrate his value to Giuliani. This discussion eventually led to Parnas’ expedition to Ukraine at Giuliani's request, tasked with tracking down the ousted prosecutor, Viktor Shokin, to gather information about the Biden-Burisma situation.
As Parnas narrates, although he reached out to multiple officials and organized meetings in pursuit of evidence against Biden, nothing concrete materialized. Despite this, he described himself as a clandestine hero on a sensitive mission. “Here I am on a secret mission sent by the president of the United States,” he said. “I thought I was being a hero.”
Alongside seeking dirt on the Bidens, Parnas was simultaneously pursuing business ventures in Ukraine, banking on future opportunities in the energy sector. However, he remained fixated on the mission assigned to him, hoping to garner recognition.
Parnas’ illicit activities culminated on October 9, 2019, when he and Fruman were arrested at Virginia's Dulles International Airport due to campaign finance violations linked to their illegal financial schemes, not their pursuit of Biden.
In his initial days in jail, Parnas remained optimistic, expecting support from his influential connections. Ultimately, as he realized his allies had abandoned him, the sense of betrayal led him to reassess his past. He began to recognize his role as a political guinea pig rather than an elite operator. “The hustler,” Parnas claimed, “was hustled.”
Days after his arrest, Parnas’ attorney reached out to federal prosecutors, expressing his distress at Trump’s denials and his willingness to cooperate. When he began providing information, prosecutors deemed it not credible and contradicted by evidence. Parnas has denied giving false information.
Eventually, unable to negotiate with prosecutors, Parnas turned to the media, supplying Congress with thousands of documents that detailed his communication with Giuliani and others from his operations in Ukraine. On January 15, 2020, the day before the first impeachment trial of Trump, Parnas appeared on MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow show, directly implicating the Trump administration. “President Trump knew exactly what was going on,” he stated. “I wouldn't do anything without the consent of Rudy Giuliani or the president.”
This provocative interview drew an immense audience and transformed Parnas into an anti-Trump figure. However, prosecutors suggested that his media strategy appeared aimed at securing immunity rather than genuine truth-telling.
In the following months, Parnas faced legal repercussions, ultimately found guilty of campaign finance violations and pleading guilty to wire fraud in connection to the Fraud Guarantee case. In June 2022, he was sentenced to 20 months in prison and expressed remorse during his sentencing, although he later referred to the charges as “technical bullshit.”
By the time he entered prison in September 2022, public interest in his story had waned. Parnas, however, sought to reclaim the spotlight, collaborating on a memoir, participating in a documentary, and launching a podcast upon his release to home confinement. This media venture was inspired by figures like Cohen, aiming to amplify his voice.
As Trump prepared another campaign, Parnas began discussions about speaking engagements that would share his experiences and warn against a potential Trump re-election. His aim now is to leverage attention from both his past and current endeavors for a new career following the elections. He remains uncertain about his direction, considering potential book deals or punditry, and amusingly contemplating a future in politics himself.
“My message is that this is not an election about policies, about Democrats or Republicans,” Parnas insisted. “It’s an election about saving American democracy.”
Once the election concludes, however, Parnas’ relevance may fade further, especially as the political landscape shifts. With the potential decline of the Biden family’s public narrative, Parnas’ claim to significance might diminish as well, leading to a situation where the attention he seeks ultimately evaporates.As the election approaches, Parnas finds himself at a crossroads, with his role in the political narrative shifting beneath his feet. The attention he garnered during the impeachment inquiries and his subsequent media appearances showcased a complex figure caught between past misdeeds and a newfound purpose. Yet, many are skeptical of his motivations, questioning whether they stem from a genuine desire for atonement or simply the instinct to capitalize on fleeting fame.
Parnas navigates this skepticism as he prepares for his “Tour America With Lev.” His team is working diligently to set up speaking engagements that will take him to key states that could swing the election, positioning him as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political corruption and the threats to democracy posed by former allies like Trump.
“People want to hear the truth,” Parnas said about the tour while emphasizing his commitment to sharing his experiences. “I’m here to show what happens when you get involved with the wrong people and how easily you can be used.”
However, the irony of his message—that he once sought power and influence through unscrupulous means—elicits mixed reactions. While some in the anti-Trump movement view him as a potential whistleblower with valuable insights, others regard him as a self-serving opportunist whose transformation is more about personal survival than moral reconsideration.
In interviews, Parnas acknowledges the dissonance of his situation. He understands that many will never fully embrace him as a credible voice for change. His past associations with organized crime and manipulative politics loom large over his brand, making it difficult for some to accept his shift in narrative as authentic. Still, he presses on, fueled by the notion that his story might resonate with others disillusioned by political corruption.
Faced with the possibility that Trump could regain the presidency, Parnas expresses a sense of urgency. “We can’t afford to go back to that,” he asserted. “We’ve seen what happens when someone like him is in power.” This urgency is reflected not just in his rhetoric but in his actions—rallying support from like-minded individuals, engaging with media outlets, and participating in events designed to galvanize opposition to Trump.
As the campaign season intensifies, the landscape of political discourse is constantly shifting. Parnas finds himself in a position where his voice might serve both as a warning and a reminder of the stakes involved in the upcoming election. While navigating this complex terrain, he also appears to be laying the groundwork for any potential future endeavors that align with his new mission.
In the interim, he is making a conscious effort to distance himself from past associations that might hinder his credibility. Engaging with progressive movements, attending rallies, and participating in panels alongside political activists reflect his commitment to this new identity. The hope is that by surrounding himself with advocates for democracy, he can reinforce his narrative as someone seeking redemption rather than profit.
Yet, the financial aspect remains in play. Parnas has indicated that he still views opportunities for financial gain as part of the strategy moving forward. “There’s nothing wrong with making a living while fighting for what you believe in,” he argued, striking a tone that emphasizes the potential synergy between activism and entrepreneurship.
As Parnas embarks on this new chapter, the response from audiences will be pivotal. Will he be embraced as an ally in the fight against Trump and a champion for democratic values? Or will skepticism about his sincerity and opportunistic history overshadow his efforts, leading to a quick return to obscurity?
The upcoming months will test not only his resolve but also the American public's capacity for forgiveness and belief in redemption. If he can successfully convey his message and resonate with voters seeking change, he may carve out a niche for himself in the evolving political landscape. Conversely, failure to connect could leave him as another fleeting example of a political figure whose moment in the spotlight was brief and marred by a complicated past.
Ultimately, however, whether Parnas' plans materialize into a lasting legacy or become an anecdote in political history will depend on how he navigates the complex interplay of redemption, authenticity, and ambition in a world that often rewards those who dare to traverse the blurry lines of morality. The clock is ticking, and as Election Day nears, the verdict on Parnas' rebranding efforts will soon be rendered by an electorate that is both weary and wary of the very narratives he seeks to sell.
James del Carmen for TROIB News
