The Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has launched an inquiry into CodePink’s activities, seeking comprehensive details about a trip to Cuba. Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CodePink, has confirmed these developments publicly.
Increased Scrutiny on Nonprofits
Under the Trump administration, there is a pronounced push to scrutinize nonprofits engaged in foreign policy. An OFAC inquiry often comes in the form of an administrative subpoena. Following last year’s murder of conservative leader Charlie Kirk, President Donald Trump instructed federal agencies to intensify enforcement against nonprofits linked to political violence.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized a zero-tolerance policy on nonprofit support for unlawful activities, stating nonprofits must ensure their grants don’t fund violent groups. He noted that changes are underway, including the IRS requiring nonprofits to vet their recipients.
Details of the Inquiry
Benjamin revealed that the Treasury’s inquiry was first known through a Fox News report. This inquiry, which arrived via email to CodePink co-founder Jodie Evans, requests extensive information about the group’s trip to Cuba and their operations.
The OFAC upholds U.S. sanctions on Cuba, demanding travelers and organizations adhere to licensing and documentary requirements. Benjamin criticized the informal nature of the inquiry, but acknowledged its seriousness due to the breadth of information requested.
“We have to spend significant resources on legal defense and staff to address their requests,” Benjamin remarked.
Questions on the Cuba Trip
The OFAC inquiry includes about a dozen specific questions covering logistics and daily activities of the trip participants. Benjamin noted around 170 people joined the convoy, and organizers might need to detail each participant’s schedule.
Humanitarian aid, estimated at $600,000, was delivered during the trip. Benjamin interpreted the inquiry as an intimidation effort, but asserted they would continue their humanitarian missions.
Related Developments
Hasan Piker, involved in the Cuba trip, claimed he had not received the inquiry documents. Speculation suggests the investigation might aim to target Neville Roy Singham, a prominent funder of organizations like CodePink that allegedly promote pro-China propaganda.
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