China backs Cuba as Havana raises US fuel pressure in Beijing

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued an investigative subpoena to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) to uncover whether the organization accepted funding or assistance from the Chinese and Cuban governments. During a video posted on social media on Tuesday, Uthmeier expressed concern over foreign contributions and transparency in fundraising.

The subpoena seeks to determine compliance with Florida's laws prohibiting contributions from foreign sources of concern and demands transparency in how money is raised and used by the organization. The investigation covers DSA delegations to Cuba and China, as well as travel fund campaigns seeking funds for these trips and work by the group's Florida chapters.

In January, the DSA launched its Venceremos Fund to help members cover trip expenses. Uthmeier has not yet filed charges but has invoked consumer protection and charitable solicitation laws to examine potential violations. The subpoena comes amid a broader US push against what critics label Chinese influence through non-profits.

The DSA, the largest socialist organization in the US with over 100,000 members, is not a party to any candidates but endorses those who run as Democrats. The investigation follows a recent election where Ashley Herrmann, a Democrat backed by the DSA, won a seat in the Florida legislature. The DSA's connections to Beijing have also drawn scrutiny, with Newsweek reporting on minutes of a China Working Group meeting and the New York Post finding 11 DSA members among signatories of a pledge to support Chinese socialism.