Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CodePink, confirmed that her organization received an inquiry from the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding its trip to Cuba in March. The inquiry, described as an administrative subpoena, is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to scrutinize nonprofit organizations involved in foreign policy and activism. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that nonprofits cannot evade legal accountability for supporting unlawful activities. He stated that the IRS will require nonprofits to know their grant recipients to ensure compliance with laws and restrictions.
Benjamin learned about the inquiry through media reports and stated that it was sent via email to CodePink co-founder Jodie Evans, landing in their spam folder. The inquiry requests detailed information about the trip, including logistics and participant activities. Benjamin noted that the inquiry includes around a dozen questions and requires substantial documentation, which she views as a serious matter. She mentioned that approximately 170 people participated in the convoy to Cuba, where they brought humanitarian supplies valued at around $600,000.
Benjamin expressed concerns that the inquiry might discourage Americans from traveling to Cuba or participating in humanitarian missions but affirmed that CodePink would continue its activities despite the scrutiny. Additionally, political streamer Hasan Piker, who was also involved in the trip, stated he has not received any inquiry from the Treasury Department.
