Newsletters
United States authorities issued subpoenas Saturday to political commentator Hasan Piker and anti-war activist Medea Benjamin over recent trips to Cuba and possible violations of sanctions and travel regulations, according to a Fox News report.
The report said the investigation is being led by the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and is examining possible violations of US laws related to Cuba sanctions.
The subpoenas reportedly sought financial, travel and communications records linked to a March trip to Cuba involving up to 40 US citizens as part of the Nuestra America Convoy, or “Our America Convoy.”
According to the report, the convoy included activists, influencers and political organizations that traveled to Havana with supplies and participated in events organized by groups supportive of the Cuban government, including possible meetings with Cuban officials.
Fox News said the investigation is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration targeting what it describes as foreign influence operations and activities linked to extremist movements or organizations viewed as hostile.
The report said OFAC officials are examining whether members of the delegation stayed at a hotel included on the State Department’s Cuba Restricted List, which bars certain transactions involving entities linked to the Cuban government.
US law broadly restricts financial transactions and some travel-related activities involving Cuba, while allowing exemptions for areas such as journalism, education and humanitarian projects.
Piker, a political streamer on Twitch, has built a large online following through commentary on US politics and foreign policy.
Fox News noted that some of his remarks have drawn criticism from White House officials.
The report cited social media posts by Piker regarding his Cuba trip, as well as comments made during a livestream criticizing the Trump administration's policy toward Cuba and a Justice Department indictment involving former Cuban leader Raul Castro.
Benjamin, co-founder of anti-war organization CodePink, has long been known for protests at congressional hearings and public events related to US foreign policy.
Fox News said the subpoenas mark an escalation in the administration’s scrutiny of activist groups and nonprofit organizations that authorities believe may have violated Cuba-related sanctions regulations.
Legal experts cited in the report said the inquiry could remain a civil enforcement matter handled by OFAC or potentially develop into a criminal case under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
