Hasan Piker defended figures in an activist network funded by tech entrepreneur Neville Roy Singham as “wonderful people” and dismissed scrutiny of his recent trip to Cuba, Fox News Digital reported. He made the remarks while appearing at a protest outside the Delaney Hall Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility.
Piker told Fox News Digital there is “this environment of suspicion” surrounding Singham and his activities that has taken a “sinister shape,” but said the network’s work was “totally above board and totally legal.” He added, “I don’t have any personal contact with Roy Singham or any of these other people…I mean, I know some of these people. They’re wonderful people in general. They’re activists.”
Fox News Digital reported that the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control sent Piker and the activist group CodePink an administrative subpoena as part of an investigation into a March convoy to Cuba. Piker said he had not been served and told the outlet, “Fox News Digital says I have a subpoena, but I have yet to be served one. So I don’t even know what’s going on.”
CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin said in an interview shared by BreakThrough News that an email notifying CodePink co-founder Jodie Evans landed in a spam folder. Fox News Digital reported that the investigative letters sought financial, logistical and communications documents about the convoy; the Office of Foreign Assets Control enforces U.S. sanctions programs, including restrictions related to Cuba.
Fox News Digital also reported that Singham has funded a network of nonprofits and that activists linked to the network have organized protests against ICE in multiple cities. The outlet said Piker, who streams to millions of followers, has used his platforms to promote candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America and was canvassing in Trenton for congressional candidate Adam Hamamy. The New York Times published a profile noting Hamamy’s reported ties to a militant cleric; Piker defended the candidate, according to Fox News Digital. Protesters at the event shouted at Piker, including one who called him a “dog abuser” in reference to allegations Piker has denied, Fox News Digital reported.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
