According to multiple reports, including Fox News Digital, which cited sources familiar with the matter, the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued subpoenas to Piker and CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin as part of an investigation into whether about three dozen activists violated U.S. sanctions laws during a March trip to Cuba. Federal investigators are reportedly seeking information about finances, logistics, communications, and possible interactions with Cuban government entities.

Who is Hasan Piker?

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Piker is a popular Twitch streamer and political commentator known for his progressive views and frequent controversies. Critics have accused him of downplaying anti-American rhetoric and expressing sympathy for groups designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government, while supporters view him as just being a vocal critic of U.S. policy. He remains especially controversial for his 2019 statement that “America deserved 9/11,” which drew widespread backlash and which he later said was aimed at criticizing U.S. foreign policy, not the victims of the attacks.

Piker talked about the subpoena situation on his recent show saying, “This is not great. I mean it’s bulls —, but still not great that they’re after your boy. They’re up my *ss.”

The Michigan connection.

The reported administrative subpoena (requests for information) involving Piker creates an uncomfortable backdrop for El-Sayed, who campaigned alongside the popular streamer during college- campus rallies on April 7, 2026, at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. El-Sayed has defended the partnership, arguing that Piker’s massive online following provides a valuable connection to younger voters.

The outreach comes as El-Sayed remains locked in a competitive Democratic primary for Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat. An Emerson College poll conducted April 11-13 found El-Sayed and State Sen. Mallory McMorrow tied for first place at 24% each, while U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens trailed at 13%. More than one-third of Democratic voters remained undecided, underscoring why candidates are aggressively pursuing new audiences and supporters.

No charges, but plenty of questions.

Whether the federal investigation ultimately goes anywhere remains to be seen. To be clear, neither Piker nor Benjamin has been charged with a crime. However, for El-Sayed, the episode is a reminder that when you hitch your campaign wagon to political influencers, especially controversial ones, you sometimes get their baggage too. And in this case, that baggage appears to have arrived straight from Cuba.