Image Credit: Megan Varner / Stringer / Getty Images 
The Department of Justice (DoJ) is investigating Black Lives Matter for misusing millions of dollars in donations received after the death of George Floyd, in 2020.
The Associated Press reports that federal authorities have issued subpoenas and a search warrant in relation to an investigation into Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Inc., which led nationwide protests in the summer of 2020 after George Floyd’s death.
“It was not clear if the investigation would result in criminal charges, but its mere existence invites fresh scrutiny to a movement that in recent years has faced criticism about its public accounting of donations it has received,” AP reports.
“The recent burst of investigative activity is also unfolding at a time when civil rights organizations have raised concerns about the potential for the Trump administration to target a variety of progressive and left-leaning groups that have been critical of him, including those affiliated with BLM, the transgender rights movement and anti-ICE protesters.”
The investigation is reported to have begun under the Biden administration, but received renewed attention after Donald Trump returned to the White House.
The BLM Foundation claims to have received more than $90 million in donations in 2020.
The organization has faced persistent accusations of fraud. In 2022, it was reported that $6 million of donations were used to pay for a $6 million home in Los Angeles with six bedrooms, six baths and a swimming pool.
BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors admitted she used the property to host private parties. She resigned in 2023.
The last federal filings show the organization had $28 million in assets for the fiscal year ending June 2024.
The Department of Justice has so far avoided commenting on the investigation.
Black Lives Matter Foundation has denied that it is subject to a federal investigation.
“We remain committed to full transparency, accountability, and the responsible stewardship of resources dedicated to building a better future for Black communities,” the Foundation said in an official statement.
