Federal officials have issued administrative subpoenas to political commentator Hasan Piker and activist Medea Benjamin as part of a U.S. Treasury Department investigation into a March 2026 trip to Cuba. According to reports, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is seeking information related to travel arrangements, financial transactions, communications, and other records connected to the visit.
The investigation centers on whether participants complied with long-standing U.S. sanctions governing travel and business dealings with Cuba. Under federal regulations, Americans are generally restricted from engaging in certain transactions involving the Cuban government or sanctioned entities unless authorized through specific licenses or exemptions. Some travel categories, including educational, journalistic, and humanitarian activities, may qualify for exceptions if they meet federal guidelines.
The trip was reportedly organized through the “Nuestra América Convoy,” an international initiative that brought activists and participants to Havana in March 2026. Organizers described the effort as humanitarian and educational in nature. Public posts shared online showed several participants documenting their travel and activities while in Cuba.
Reports indicate the federal inquiry may involve dozens of U.S. citizens and organizations connected to the convoy. Investigators are reportedly examining whether any financial or logistical arrangements violated sanctions regulations or involved restricted entities. At this stage, officials have not announced criminal charges or formal allegations of wrongdoing against any individual involved.
Both Piker and Benjamin have publicly expressed support for changes to U.S. policy toward Cuba in the past. The subpoenas issued by OFAC are considered administrative requests for information and do not, by themselves, indicate guilt or legal liability. Federal agencies often use such requests during preliminary reviews of potential sanctions compliance issues.
The investigation comes amid renewed tensions between the United States and Cuba. The Trump administration has recently expanded sanctions targeting the Cuban government, particularly in areas related to fuel imports and economic activity. U.S. officials have also signaled a tougher stance toward the Cuban regime as broader foreign policy discussions continue across the region.