Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced on Tuesday that his office had launched an investigation into the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) over concerns that the organization may have violated Florida’s fundraising laws. The Republican official said his office had received evidence suggesting that the group may have received money or other support from foreign sources of concern, including those linked to Cuba and China.
Under Florida’s Solicitation of Contributions Act, organizations that solicit donations in the state are prohibited from accepting money or other support from certain foreign governments and people or businesses connected to them. These include sources linked to Cuba and China, which Florida considers countries of concern.
In a video posted on X, Uthmeier said his office had issued a subpoena to the DSA, requiring the organization to provide documents that could help investigators determine whether it had broken the law.
The investigation will look into contacts between DSA members and government officials in Cuba and China following recent trips to both countries. It will also examine how the group raised money to cover the expenses of those trips.
“We will follow the facts, we will enforce the law, and we will not allow foreign adversaries to influence Florida through the backdoor of non-profit fundraising,” Uthmeier stated.
‘We Will Prosecute to the Fullest’
The attorney general also discussed the investigation during an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity. He said the issue was not just about whether the DSA had violated Florida’s fundraising laws, but also about national security, as he claimed foreign countries were trying to influence American elections and indoctrinate young people.
“You better believe if Havana or Beijing think they’re gonna foot the bill of the DSA, Florida is gonna investigate,” Uthmeier said. “We will prosecute to the fullest… We will hold the DSA accountable if they are receiving funds from foreign countries of concern.”
Netizens’ Reaction to the DSA Probe
So far, the investigation has received mixed reactions from the public. Some people on X said they fully supported the DSA probe, claiming that socialist and communist organizations pose a threat to the United States.
“This should be the top priority of federal and every state’s law enforcement. Crush the subversive forces that are destroying this country,” one X user wrote. Another demanded, “We need action, no more socialist/ communist in congress.”
Someone else claimed, “These commies need to be dealt with. They are an existential danger to the nation.” Another urged, “Please make sure DSA is permanently shut down, and all officials are placed under arrest for Class A felonies.”
Some, however, accused Uthmeier of being selective about which organizations his office investigates.
“‘We will hold those who break the law accountable…’ unless they’re a Republican,” one critic mocked. Another stated, “I find it shameful that we pick and choose on who to attack, we say we don’t want foreign influence via money. Why not go after AIPAC? Why just the DSA?”
Other critics felt the attorney general should focus on problems affecting Florida residents instead.
“What an incredible waste of time & resources, guess there aren’t any issues to solve in Fla these days,” one person remarked. Another asked, “How’s this lowering prices?” A third commenter added, “Will you please do your [expletive] job? This is another lawsuit that’s gonna get thrown out of court, just like all your others.”
It remains to be seen whether the investigation will lead to any legal action, as the allegations of improper foreign funding have not been proven. A spokesperson for the DSA confirmed to Florida Phoenix that the organization was aware of the investigation but declined to comment further.
