Lev Parnas, a business associate of Rudy Giuliani, has been involved in several controversial political dealings. One of the most significant involved his connection with President Donald Trump, where Parnas played a role in key discussions about foreign policy and the cannabis industry. Among these, a secretly recorded conversation between Parnas, Trump, and other high-profile political figures shed light on the president’s interactions with his inner circle. This article explores Parnas’ involvement in politics, his lobbying efforts for the cannabis industry, and the role of his wife in the broader narrative surrounding his legal troubles.
The Recording that Sparked Controversy
In early 2020, a secretly recorded video of a dinner between President Trump and Lev Parnas surfaced. During the April 2018 event, the pair discussed the removal of Marie Yovanovitch, the U.S. ambassador to Ukraine at the time.
The video stirred controversy, with the media focusing on Trump’s instruction to “get her out.” Yet, a lesser-known conversation from the same event also emerged, which involved Parnas lobbying the president about marijuana policy.
Parnas proposed the creation of a bipartisan committee on marijuana, seeing it as a potential way to rally younger voters to the Republican cause. This discussion, while gaining less attention than the Yovanovitch controversy, highlighted Parnas’ attempt to influence national policy to serve both political and personal interests.
Lev Parnas’ Business Ventures and Cannabis Lobbying
Although Lev Parnas was not initially involved in the cannabis industry, his ties to business partners and legal firms pushed him toward it.
Parnas and his associates began showing interest in investing in marijuana businesses across the U.S. shortly after the April 2018 meeting with Trump. This raised concerns about whether Parnas used his political access for personal business gain.
One of the law firms instrumental in Parnas’ political rise was Greenspoon Marder. Based in South Florida, the firm specializes in cannabis law and has expanded nationally, representing numerous high-profile clients in the industry.
Parnas and his business partner, Igor Fruman, relied on this firm to register businesses, defend lawsuits, and even manage Fruman’s divorce.
The End of the Greenspoon Marder Partnership
The partnership between Parnas and Greenspoon Marder, however, did not last. In late 2019, the firm abruptly withdrew as counsel for Parnas and his business partner David Correia in a Palm Beach County lawsuit.
The reason cited was “irreconcilable differences.” Shortly after, the firm also requested to drop both men as clients in a separate federal lawsuit related to a failed movie investment.
Despite these legal challenges, Greenspoon Marder’s role in shaping the cannabis industry has remained strong. The firm tripled its number of lawyers and expanded to 11 states, positioning itself as a leading player in the rapidly growing marijuana market.
Cannabis Policy and Political Donations
For Parnas, cannabis represented a future business opportunity. At the 2018 dinner with Trump, Parnas hinted at leaving materials on cannabis policy for the president, emphasizing the importance of being ahead of the industry’s growth.
Although Parnas claimed he wasn’t directly involved in cannabis at the time, records show that shortly afterward, he and his associates began pursuing medical marijuana licenses in Florida.
In addition to these efforts, Parnas and Fruman partnered with Ukrainian-born Andrey Kukushkin and an unnamed Russian businessman to invest in cannabis ventures across the U.S. The group also planned political donations to support their goals, including contributions to Nevada Republicans in the 2018 midterm elections.
The Role of Lev Parnas’ Wife in the Story
While Lev Parnas has been the focus of many media reports, his wife has remained mostly in the background. Liza Parnas has stood by her husband throughout his legal battles, offering support during his high-profile appearances in court.
Her role is largely that of a loyal spouse, though her presence in Parnas’ life has helped shape the public perception of his personal and professional decisions.
The media’s focus on Lev Parnas’ wife is often tied to the broader narrative of Parnas’ life. His legal troubles, his ties to powerful political figures, and his involvement in the cannabis industry have put his family in the spotlight. Yet, despite the controversies surrounding him, Liza Parnas has remained largely out of the direct legal crossfire.
Legal Troubles and Fallout
Lev Parnas’ involvement in U.S. and Ukraine politics has contributed to several legal challenges, including campaign finance charges that played a role in President Trump’s first impeachment.
Parnas’ business dealings and his attempts to influence foreign policy have raised serious questions about the boundaries between political access and personal business interests.
Despite these issues, much of Parnas’ communication with his legal team at Greenspoon Marder is protected under attorney-client privilege. This has limited public knowledge about the firm’s deeper involvement in Parnas’ schemes, though experts suggest that the privilege may not apply if the firm had knowledge of illegal activities.
Conclusion
Lev Parnas’ ties to President Trump, the cannabis industry, and the political world paint a complex picture of a man leveraging his connections for both political and personal gain. His involvement in the cannabis industry has been marked by high-profile partnerships, legal battles, and attempts to influence policy.
Meanwhile, his relationship with his wife, Liza Parnas, has remained a quiet yet significant part of his story. As Parnas continues to face legal scrutiny, his past actions remain a focal point for both the media and political observers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Lev Parnas?
Lev Parnas is a business associate of Rudy Giuliani and a key figure in political dealings involving President Donald Trump, particularly regarding U.S.-Ukraine relations and the cannabis industry.
2. What was Lev Parnas’ connection to the cannabis industry?
While initially not involved, Parnas began exploring investment opportunities in the cannabis industry after discussions with Trump in 2018. He and his business partners sought medical marijuana licenses in several states, using their political connections to further their business interests.
3. What role did Greenspoon Marder play in Parnas’ ventures?
Greenspoon Marder, a law firm specializing in cannabis law, represented Parnas and his associates in various legal matters, including registering businesses and defending lawsuits. The firm eventually cut ties with Parnas due to irreconcilable differences.
4. How did Lev Parnas’ actions contribute to Trump’s impeachment?
Parnas’ involvement in U.S.-Ukraine politics, particularly his efforts to remove U.S. ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, contributed to the events that led to President Trump’s first impeachment.
5. What is the significance of Lev Parnas’ wife, Liza Parnas?
While not directly involved in Parnas’ business dealings or legal troubles, Liza Parnas has played a supportive role throughout her husband’s public and legal challenges, helping shape the narrative surrounding his personal life.
