The Department of Justice is investigating a leading Black Lives Matter organization over accusations of fraud concerning tens of millions of dollars in donations raised by the movement. The investigation follows years of questions about the organization’s finances and past scrutiny by the Biden administration, but it also comes as the Trump administration cracks down on political opponents.
BLM organization under federal investigation
The Associated Press reported that the Justice Department has issued subpoenas and a search warrant as part of an investigation into the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc., and other organizations. Sources indicate that investigation began during the Biden administration but has received renewed focus under President Donald Trump. It is unclear whether or not criminal charges would emerge from the current probe. The foundation said in a statement to the AP that it “is not a target of any federal criminal investigation,” and the organization’s leaders maintained that “we remain committed to full transparency, accountability, and the responsible stewardship of resources dedicated to building a better future for Black communities.”
Trump agenda, politicized use of justice system
The investigation is being led by the Los Angeles-based U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. The top prosecutor in that office, Bill Essayli, previously served as a Republican assemblyman and has gained a reputation for conservative stances such as prosecuting protesters against the Trump administration’s use of ICE. As a private attorney, Essayli referred to Black Lives Matter as a “radical organization” while defending a white couple charged with hate crimes for vandalizing a BLM mural in 2020. The current investigation of BLM comes as organizations and individuals critical of Trump or not aligned with his policies have been targeted for investigation and prosecution.
Questions and accusations over raised funds
After emerging as a hashtag and a social movement following the 2013 acquittal of George Zimmerman for killing Trayvon Martin, Black Lives Matter had a global resurgence in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. The foundation raised more than $90 million in 2020. The foundation and its former executive director, Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors, later faced scrutiny over how the organization used this money, including a purchase of a $6 million house in California; foundation leaders maintained that the property was to be used for purposes such as content creation and providing a “safe haven” for activists. The families of Michael Brown, Richard Risher and Tamir Rice have also criticized the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and various figures in the BLM movement, accusing them of gaining attention and profiting from these individuals’ deaths.
Despite the attention and criticisms aimed at the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, the organization has not been demonstrated to have committed any wrongdoing. The foundation and its leaders have not been charged with any crimes, but the current Justice Department probe indicates that the organization is under renewed scrutiny, with the results of the investigation still to be determined.