Hasan Piker, a prominent left-wing political influencer, is facing an investigation by the U.S. federal authorities. The probe centers on whether his visit to Cuba violated U.S. laws and sanctions. According to documents obtained by Fox News Digital from the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Piker and Susan Medea Benjamin—co-founder of the activist group CodePink—were issued subpoenas related to their trip to the Caribbean island in March.
In a livestream addressing his audience, Piker acknowledged the seriousness of the situation saying, “the news is not great, OK? I mean, it’s bullsh**, but still not great that they’re after your boy. They’re up my a**.” Maintaining a humorous tone, he jokingly encouraged viewers to chant “free me,” though he admitted the gravity of the investigation.
Investigative analyst Stu Smith commented on social media platform X, highlighting Piker’s awareness of the issue’s seriousness despite his bravado. He quoted Piker as saying he received a voicemail from a Fox News producer informing him of the subpoena before he even responded to the journalist.
Piker had posted a message on Instagram on March 10 announcing, “I’M GOING TO CUBA.” However, U.S. citizens are largely prohibited from engaging in economic activities with Cuba under the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (CACR), with exceptions for journalism, humanitarian efforts, educational activities, and support for the Cuban populace. Piker stated on his livestream that “everything we did was cleared by Treasury.”
Piker and Benjamin are reportedly part of an inquiry evaluating whether their trip with the “Nuestra América Convoy” violated the mentioned restrictions. Fox News Digital reported that the convoy included 650 delegates from 33 countries, including 120 organizations. It is believed that some delegates stayed in a hotel listed on the U.S. State Department’s “Cuba Restricted List,” which is associated with the Cuban government.
Sources suggest the delegation took supplies to Cuba’s ruling Communist Party, potentially implicating them under U.S. restrictions. While no charges have been formally announced, the investigation may reflect heightened enforcement measures by the Trump administration against activities it deems supportive of regimes classified as state sponsors of terrorism.
Apart from the Cuba connection, Piker mentioned that the investigation also touches on his influence in supporting anti-Israel voters and candidates. This broader context situates the inquiry within larger political dynamics involving Cuba and U.S. policies under the Trump administration.
Leave a Reply