The Treasury Department has issued subpoenas to leftist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker and CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin regarding their March trip to Cuba, as reported by Fox News. In response, Piker wrote on X, 'the american govt would rather try to criminalize delivering aid to a country we’ve starved, than punish the epstein class.'
Piker's Explanation of the Trip
In an April YouTube video, Piker described his journey to Cuba as a humanitarian mission to deliver aid after the U.S.-imposed oil blockade caused Cuba's electricity grid to collapse in March, leaving approximately 10 million people without power. He stated he wanted to witness firsthand the effects of the U.S. trade embargo and observe a socialist society.
Benjamin's Reaction
Medea Benjamin, co-founder of the feminist anti-war organization CodePink, expressed outrage on X, questioning, '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.'
The Office of Foreign Assets Control at the Treasury Department issued the subpoenas, investigating potential violations of U.S. sanctions laws related to the 'financing, coordination or delivery of goods to Cuba,' according to Fox News.
Context of the Convoy
Piker and Benjamin traveled with Nuestra América Convoy, an international movement formed months earlier to bring humanitarian aid to Cuba. Over 600 delegates and 120 organizations participated, as reported by The Associated Press. Neither the Treasury Department nor Nuestra América Convoy immediately responded to requests for comment.
Broader Investigation
The investigation is part of a larger U.S. government effort to curb perceived harmful foreign influence. Fox News noted that more subpoenas are expected, reflecting 'growing concern among federal authorities and lawmakers over whether foreign actors and aligned organizations are attempting to shape American political discourse, mobilize activists, sow discord and normalize rhetoric that could encourage violence or undermine U.S. national security interests.'
