The co-founder of CodePink, Medea Benjamin, confirmed her organization received an inquiry from the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This inquiry, known as an administrative subpoena, requests detailed information about CodePink’s trip to Cuba in March. The move is part of the Trump administration’s broader push to scrutinize nonprofits involved in foreign policy and activism.
President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to tighten controls on nonprofits after the murder of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized nonprofits cannot avoid legal responsibility if their resources support illegal activities or political violence. The IRS will now require nonprofits to fully know their grant recipients to ensure compliance with laws and restrictions.
The OFAC enforcement covers U.S. sanctions on Cuba, which limit financial transactions with the Cuban government and mandate proper licensing for certain activities. Speaking in a video by BreakThrough News, Benjamin and Hasan Piker, a political streamer, stated they first learned of the investigation from a Fox News report. The inquiry targets financial and logistical details of the trip, which challenges CodePink’s legality under U.S. regulations.
During the Cuba trip, activists including Piker and CodePink co-founder Jodie Evans participated in a ‘United Front’ convoy supporting the Communist Party of Cuba. The inquiry’s questions cover details like travel logistics, activities, and participant roles. The volume of requested information led CodePink to seek legal advice to address the OFAC’s extensive documentation demands.
Benjamin revealed the convoy included approximately 170 people, and they transported about $600,000 worth of humanitarian aid. The inquiry’s broad scope indicates a potential requirement for organizers to document every participant’s actions. Despite the federal scrutiny, Benjamin vowed CodePink will continue its humanitarian missions and support for Cuba, viewing the inquiry as intimidation.
Meanwhile, Piker noted he hasn’t personally received the Treasury’s query but suggested the investigation might target American Marxist tech tycoon Neville Roy Singham. Singham has reportedly funded organizations like CodePink, with claims his financial backing supports anti-American protests and Chinese propaganda efforts. These organizations remain active in street protests with Piker’s support through his online presence.