CodePink’s Medea Benjamin confirms getting ‘serious’ Treasury Department query over Cuba trip CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin has confirmed that her organization received an inquiry from the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regarding its recent trip to Cuba. Benjamin described the inquiry, which seeks detailed information about the trip’s logistics and participants, as a serious intimidation tactic. This investigation is part of a wider administration effort to increase scrutiny of nonprofit organizations engaged in foreign policy and activist endeavors, particularly concerning compliance with sanctions and other federal restrictions.

• CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin confirmed her organization received an inquiry from the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) about a trip to Cuba.
• The inquiry, termed an administrative subpoena, requests detailed information about the trip’s logistics, participants, and humanitarian aid provided.
• Benjamin described the inquiry as a serious intimidation tactic aimed at discouraging participation in activities like humanitarian missions to Cuba.
• The Treasury Department, under Secretary Scott Bessent, is increasing scrutiny of nonprofit organizations, demanding greater accountability for funds and activities, especially those related to political violence or human rights suppression.
• The OFAC enforces U.S. sanctions on Cuba, requiring compliance with licensing and record-keeping for authorized activities.
• Political streamer Hasan Piker, also mentioned in initial reports, has stated he has not received the inquiry.
• Speculation links the investigation to American tech tycoon Neville Roy Singham, who has funded organizations like CodePink and BreakThrough News.