The Democratic Socialists of America is facing an investigation in Florida over allegations of foreign funding from Cuba and China.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Tuesday that his office had issued an investigative subpoena to the DSA under the state’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and laws governing charitable fundraising. The investigation will examine whether the organization accepted contributions or other support from foreign sources of concern, including the Cuban and Chinese governments, and whether it properly disclosed how money raised from Florida donors was spent.
The investigation includes scrutiny of DSA-organized delegations to Cuba, where national leaders and members of the organization’s National Political Committee met with Cuban government officials, as well as a separate delegation to China.
Uthmeier also pointed to fundraising efforts that collected tens of thousands of dollars to cover travel expenses for the delegations and related activities involving Florida chapters.
“Floridians who give to organizations operating in our state have a right to know where that money comes from and how it is used,” Uthmeier said in a video announcing the investigation. He said the subpoena seeks records needed to determine whether the organization complied with state fundraising laws.
The attorney general did not publicly establish that the DSA had received illegal foreign contributions. Rather, the subpoena is intended to determine whether foreign support was accepted and whether the group’s fundraising practices complied with Florida law.
The DSA’s growing political influence has also brought renewed attention to its international activities, particularly its relationship with Cuba.
The organization has openly organized delegations to the island, including a 40-member trip in October 2025 that included national political leaders and rank-and-file members. According to the DSA’s own account, participants delivered medical and school supplies and met with Cuban workers, doctors, teachers, and artists. The delegation also met with Cuban government officials.
The organization additionally solicited donations for its Cuba solidarity work through its Venceremos Fund, which it says supports humanitarian assistance and other activities. Its international committee has encouraged local chapters to organize fundraisers and promote opportunities for members to travel to Cuba.
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Florida’s investigation will examine whether the organization’s fundraising and travel arrangements involved financial or other support from foreign sources that would violate state law.
“We will follow the facts,” Uthmeier said. “We will enforce the law, and we will not allow foreign adversaries to influence Florida through the back door of nonprofit fundraising.”