Increased Federal Scrutiny on Nonprofits: CodePink’s Cuba Trip Under Investigation

CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin confirmed that her organization received a notice from the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). This notice requests detailed information about a March trip to Cuba. The inquiry is part of heightened federal scrutiny of nonprofits working in foreign-policy and activist areas.

Last October, President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to enhance enforcement against nonprofits that may support political violence. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that nonprofits and their sponsors are accountable if their resources facilitate illegal activities.

“We’ve made substantial progress,” Bessent said, stressing that nonprofits must be aware of their grant recipients’ activities.

The Treasury’s inquiry examines whether organizations like CodePink adhere to federal laws and restrictions, such as sanctions on Cuba. This inquiry aligns with an administration aim to monitor nonprofit networks for oversight of their projects and international efforts.

Benjamin revealed that she and political commentator Hasan Piker were informed about the investigation through Fox News. The OFAC enforces U.S. sanctions on Cuba, requiring compliance with financial transactions and record-keeping for authorized travel. Benjamin stated the inquiry was originally sent to CodePink co-founder Jodie Evans via email, which initially went unnoticed.

Despite receiving the inquiry, Benjamin views the request for detailed information as a serious matter. The inquiry demands responses to questions concerning the trip’s logistics and activities.

“They’re asking about 12 very detailed questions,” Benjamin mentioned, highlighting the level of detail requested.

The trip involved around 170 participants, creating a burden to account for everyone’s activities. Organizers also brought significant humanitarian aid to Cuba, further complicating the response.

Benjamin believes the federal scrutiny aims to deter Americans from humanitarian missions to Cuba but insists on continuing their work.

Piker, meanwhile, has yet to receive the inquiry himself. Speculation exists that the investigation could target American Marxist tech tycoon Neville Roy Singham for his financial support to related groups, promoting anti-American activities.