Florida AG subpoenas DSA over alleged illegal foreign contributions—AOC calls it 'politically targeted attack'
Florida’s attorney general issued an investigative subpoena to the Democratic Socialists of America to determine whether the group accepted foreign-sourced contributions or support from regimes such as Cuba and China, and whether Florida fundraising was transparent and compliant. The probe covers fundraising practices, travel fund solicitations, and recent DSA delegations to Cuba and China involving Florida chapters. Officials say the inquiry seeks documents to assess compliance with state deception, unfair trade, and fundraising laws. The development underscores political tension around DSA activities and Florida’s stance on donor transparency, with implications for how political groups mobilize and report funds in the state. There is no immediate resolution, but the inquiry could shape future enforcement and political dynamics in Florida.
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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced an investigative subpoena to the Democratic Socialists of America under the state's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and related fundraising laws, seeking to determine if foreign sources of concern funded the group or its Florida donors improperly.
The investigation explicitly considers contributions or support from Cuba and China, and scrutinizes whether fundraising from Florida donors was fully transparent and lawful, including travel fund solicitations for tens of thousands of dollars tied to trips.
The subpoena examines recent DSA delegations to Cuba, where national leaders and committee members met with Cuban government officials, as well as a delegation to China, as parts of the scrutiny.
The Florida case mentions travel-related fundraising and whether the organization disclosed donor origins and used funds in accordance with state requirements for honesty and transparency in fundraising.
Public reaction includes remarks from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who framed the Florida action as a politically targeted attack by the state, while noting uncertainty about specific Florida laws and declining to comment on technicalities of the probe.