Florida Attorney General Ashley Uthmeier announced Tuesday that her office has served an investigative subpoena to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). The subpoena seeks records that could show whether the political organization accepted contributions or assistance from foreign entities in Cuba and China, and whether its fundraising activities complied with Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and state charitable‑solicitation statutes.
Purpose of the investigation
Uthmeier said Floridians have a right to know the source of money given to organizations operating in the state. “Today my office issued an investigative subpoena to the Democratic Socialists of America under Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and our laws governing the solicitation of funds,” she explained in a video statement.
The attorney general’s office is examining whether DSA accepted donations or backing from foreign sources of concern, and whether any solicitation directed at Florida donors complied with state disclosure requirements.
Focus on travel and fundraising
According to Uthmeier, the review centers on travel undertaken by DSA representatives, including delegations to Cuba where national leadership and political committee members met with Cuban government officials, as well as a separate trip to China. Investigators are also looking into fundraising campaigns that raised tens of thousands of dollars to finance those trips and related activities involving Florida chapters.
“Our laws prohibit accepting contributions from foreign sources of concern,” Uthmeier said. “They require organizations to be honest and transparent about how money is raised and used. The subpoena seeks the documents needed to determine compliance.”
Attorney general’s response
Uthmeier added that her office will review the requested records to determine whether any state laws were broken. “We will follow the facts, we will enforce the law, and we will not allow foreign adversaries to influence Florida through the back door of nonprofit fundraising,” she said.
The Democratic Socialists of America has not yet issued a public response to the subpoena.
Legal context
Florida’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act gives the attorney general authority to investigate organizations that may mislead donors or conceal the true source of contributions. The state also enforces statutes that regulate charitable solicitations, requiring full disclosure of any foreign involvement.
Critics of the investigation argue that the move could be seen as a partisan effort to target a left‑leaning organization. However, the attorney general’s office frames the action as a straightforward enforcement of existing consumer‑protection and transparency laws, emphasizing the need to protect Floridians from undisclosed foreign influence.
What’s next?
The subpoena requires DSA to produce documents related to its fundraising, travel expenses, and any communications with foreign entities. The attorney general’s office will assess the materials and determine whether further legal action is warranted.
Florida residents and donors are encouraged to stay informed about the sources of charitable contributions and to report any concerns to the attorney general’s office.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
