Full Breakdown
US Treasury Subpoenas Influencer Hasan Piker and CodePink Co-Founder
5/24/2026, 1:13:02 PM
The Subpoenas and Alleged Sanctions Violations
On 24 May 2026 the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued subpoenas to streamer Hasan Piker and CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin. The subpoenas request “financial, logistical and communications information” about a March 2026 Havana trip with the Nuestra América Convoy. OFAC is reviewing whether activities—including staying at a hotel on the State Department’s Cuba Restricted List and meeting Cuban officials—violated U.S. Cuba sanctions.
Background: U.S. Cuba Sanctions Regime
U.S. law restricts financial and travel-related activities involving Cuba under the Cuban Asset Control Regulations. Exemptions cover journalism, humanitarian projects, education and people-to-people exchanges. Violations may be pursued as civil enforcement by OFAC or, if intent is shown, as criminal cases under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
Key Figures and the Nuestra América Convoy
Hasan Piker, a Twitch commentator, promoted the trip and called the Justice Department’s indictment of Cuban leader Raúl Castro “a sham with no legal standing.” Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CodePink, is known for protests against U.S. foreign policy. The convoy included activists, influencers and groups supportive of the Cuban government. Sources describe its size as either “as many as 40 U.S. citizens” or “an estimated 650 delegates from 33 countries and 120 organizations.”
Data & Statistics on the Investigation
- The convoy involved either 40 U.S. citizens or 650 delegates from 33 countries and 120 organizations.
- $278 million funneled by “Singham” into pro-Cuba and pro-China nonprofits.
- 145 U.S. nonprofits with $1 billion in revenues, including CodePink—a $1.33 million recipient—are under scrutiny.
Official Statements & Government Rationale
OFAC said the subpoenas seek to determine whether the convoy’s financing, logistics or goods delivery violated sanctions law. Treasury, State and Justice officials say the inquiry is part of an effort to curb influence operations that could support extremist movements or threaten security.
Criticism and Opposition
Officials have criticized Piker’s Cuba remarks. Lawmakers Rep. Ritchie Torres have accused him of amplifying anti-Semitic rhetoric, which he denies. Critics view the subpoenas as an escalation of scrutiny on left-leaning activist networks.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources give divergent convoy figures (40 U.S. citizens vs. 650 delegates). The legal basis—civil enforcement versus potential criminal prosecution—remains unsettled. No comment has been received from Piker, Benjamin, CodePink or the individuals named in the investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control requested "financial, logistical and communications information" from the two, according to Fox News.” — Treasury Department notice
What's Next
Further subpoenas are expected; OFAC may impose civil penalties, and the Justice Department could pursue criminal charges under IEEPA.
