The US Treasury Department has subpoenaed left-wing influencer Hasan Piker and CodePink cofounder Medea Benjamin as part of an investigation into whether or not a group of activists violated US sanctions during a visit to Cuba, according to a Fox News report on Saturday.
Benjamin took to X/Twitter on Sunday to condemn the subpoena, calling the Trump administration “grotesque.”
“Taking medical supplies to pediatric hospitals in Cuba is now a crime? Saving the lives of babies is a crime?” she wrote. “This administration is beyond grotesque.”
Taking medical supplies to pediatric hospitals in Cuba is now a crime? Saving the lives of babies is a crime? This administration is beyond grotesque. https://t.co/xsvQGEYzb8
— Medea Benjamin (@medeabenjamin) May 24, 2026
Piker and Benjamin are among around 40 US nationals who traveled to Cuba as part of the “Nuestra América Convoy,” or “Our America Convoy,” and are suspected of bringing supplies to the Communist Party of Cuba.
According to Fox, the activists may have violated US sanctions laws by financing, coordinating, or delivering goods to Cuba, and potentially engaging in contact with Cuban government personnel or entities.
Sources familiar with the matter told Fox that the subpoenas from the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control – called Requests for Information (RFI) – are aimed at obtaining communications, financial, and logistical information related to the trip.
Legal experts explained to Fox News Digital that the subpoenas could determine whether the case can be pursued as a criminal matter under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) or remain a civil enforcement matter handled by the US Treasury.
The investigation into the Cuba trip is a part of a broader US push to combat foreign influence operations within the country, especially those with ties to political violence, extremist movements, or acts classified by the US government as terrorism, according to the Fox report.
Investigation includes Brazilian Gaza flotilla activist, Ilhan Omar’s daughter
According to Fox, the investigation includes some 40 US citizens who worked with foreign nationals, including Brazilian activist Thiago Avila, who himself had recently been detained by Israel following his sojourn on the Gaza-bound flotilla.
Additional subpoenas are reportedly expected.
Fox noted that the group of Americans under investigation includes the daughter of notorious anti-Israel congresswoman Rep. Ilhan Omar, Isra Hirsi. Sources told Fox that investigators are also looking into the possibility that Omar herself had funded her daughter’s travel.
Fox noted that the move also coincides with growing concerns among US authorities about foreign actors and foreign-aligned organizations seeking to sow discord, manipulate domestic political discourse, or normalize ideologies that could undermine US national security interests.
The convoy, which included around 650 delegates from 33 countries and 120 organizations and was led by several members of the alleged Singham network, Fox explained, noting that this included the Democratic Socialists of America, of which Piker is a reported headliner.
Piker posts to social media about Cuba convoy participation
On March 10, Piker posted an Instagram infographic of himself with the words “I’m going to Cuba” emblazoned above the photo.
“I am joining the Nuestra America Convoy,” the post continued.
During a recent livestream, Fox reported that Piker had called the US’s indictment of former Cuban President Raúl Castro a “sham” with “no legal standing” and that US President Donald Trump is acting like a “playground bully.”
In addition, during a Saturday livestream where Piker interviewed Ashley St. Clair, he reportedly further “railed against Trump” and “defended the communist leaders of Cuba.”
