Florida goes after socialist political group over possible ‘foreign contributions’
The Florida Attorney General’s office issued a subpoena to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) over potential contributions from “foreign sources of concern,” according to Attorney General James Uthmeier.
In a video statement released on Tuesday morning, Uthmeier said the subpoena stems from the state’s Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and regulations about soliciting funds.
“We are examining whether DSA accepted contributions or support from foreign sources of concern, including the regimes in Cuba and China,” he said. “And whether its fundraising from Florida donors has been fully transparent and lawful.”
Today my office issued a subpoena to the Democratic Socialists of America. We’re examining foreign contributions—including from Cuba and China—tied to their delegations and travel fund solicitations.
FL law requires transparency. We will hold those who break the law accountable. https://t.co/Xu8MUoDwZb
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) November 10, 2026
Uthmeier explained that the investigation will include recent DSA delegations to Cuba and China, as well as travel fund solicitations to cover the costs of those trips.
“Our laws prohibit accepting contributions from foreign sources of concern,” he added. “They require organizations to be honest and transparent about how money is raised and used.”
As such, the subpoena is asking for documents needed to determine compliance, Uthmeier said.
“We will not allow adversaries to influence Florida through the backdoor of nonprofit fundraising,” he concluded.
FOREIGN COUNTRIES OF CONCERN
Under state statutes, foreign countries of concern include the following:
- People’s Republic of China
- Russian Federation
- Islamic Republic of Iran
- Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
- Republic of Cuba
- Venezuelan regime of Nicolas Maduro
- Syrian Arab Republic
Florida law also imposes many restrictions on these groups to prevent them from operating in the state.
Recently, for example, lawmakers approved a measure to curb their influence by restricting preplanned adoption agreements with citizens of these nations.
Furthermore, state law prohibits groups from soliciting or accepting contributions from these countries.
News 6 has reached out to the DSA for a statement on the investigation. A spokesperson replied as follows:
“Thanks for your inquiry, we have no comment at this time.”