Full Breakdown
Federal Subpoenas Target Hasan Piker and Medea Benjamin Over Cuba Trip
5/26/2026, 12:42:58 AM
Subpoenas and Investigation Overview
On Sunday, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control subpoenaed Twitch streamer Hasan Piker and Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin for communications and documents tied to their March trip to Havana, Cuba. The subpoenas target possible violations of U.S. sanctions that restrict dealings with designated Cuban hotels. Over three dozen individuals are under investigation for related breaches; Piker and Benjamin are two of them.
Sanctions Framework and Convoy Background
U.S. sanctions, codified in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations, prohibit American persons from engaging with designated Cuban entities, especially many government-linked hotels, while allowing limited humanitarian, journalistic, and educational activities. Piker and Benjamin traveled with the “Nuestra America Convoy,” a group of socialists claiming to deliver humanitarian aid, during a period of heightened U.S. pressure on Havana. The convoy’s stated purpose was to distribute humanitarian aid.
Government Response
The Treasury Department declined comment when asked for details. An Office of Foreign Assets Control spokesperson confirmed subpoenas were issued after an online rumor about a stay at a sanctioned hotel, but offered no further information.
Criticism of the Probe
Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin labeled the probe hypocritical, accusing the Trump administration of targeting aid providers while maintaining policies that deprive Cuban children of food, fuel and basic medical supplies. She argued that loving the Cuban people should not be criminalized. Piker’s past inflammatory remarks—including a 2019 claim that “America deserved 9/11” and comments linking the Oct. 7 Hamas attack to Israeli actions—have drawn criticism.
Unresolved Allegations
Online speculation claimed Piker and Benjamin stayed at a U.S.–sanctioned Havana hotel. Both denied the allegation, and the Treasury has not confirmed any violation, leaving the factual basis unresolved.
Key Direct Quotes
- “This is not great.” — Hasan Piker, Twitch streamer
- “Yeah, free me. Free me.” — Hasan Piker, Twitch streamer
- “The Trump administration is investigating people for bringing medicine to Cuban children while defending policies that deprive those same children of food, fuel, and basic medical supplies.” — Medea Benjamin, Code Pink co-founder
- “If loving the Cuban people is a crime, then millions around the world are guilty too.” — Medea Benjamin, Code Pink co-founder
Implications
The subpoenas illustrate how sanctions enforcement can intersect with political activism and digital media, potentially shaping future humanitarian trips to sanctioned nations and raising free-expression concerns for U.S. foreign policy and transparency in governance.
Future Developments
The Office of Foreign Assets Control will continue reviewing the documents. Findings could trigger civil penalties or further legal action, and additional subpoenas for other convoy members are expected.
