Post by : Rameen Ariff

Washington: The US Justice Department has launched an investigation into alleged financial misconduct within the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Foundation, following questions about how tens of millions in donations were managed after the 2020 protests over George Floyd’s death.

According to multiple sources familiar with the probe, federal law enforcement has issued subpoenas and at least one search warrant targeting the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation and other affiliated organizations. The investigation, which began under the Biden administration, has gained renewed momentum during the Trump presidency.

The inquiry centers on whether BLM leaders misused or misrepresented $90 million raised in the aftermath of Floyd’s murder, a tragedy that sparked worldwide demonstrations demanding racial justice and police reform. While the Foundation insists it has done nothing wrong, critics have repeatedly questioned its financial transparency and spending practices.

In a statement, the foundation maintained it “is not a target of any federal criminal investigation” and reaffirmed its commitment to “transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of resources dedicated to Black communities.”

Federal officials have not confirmed whether the probe will lead to criminal charges. However, its existence casts new scrutiny on one of the most influential social justice movements of the past decade.

The controversy stems from revelations that BLM leaders used donation funds to purchase a $6 million Los Angeles property in 2022, which sparked public outrage and allegations of mismanagement. While BLM representatives have previously released tax filings and denied wrongdoing, the new investigation raises concerns about the future credibility of the movement.

Founded in 2013 after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin, Black Lives Matter grew into a global movement after Floyd’s death in 2020. Donations surged, bringing in an unprecedented $90 million in contributions, much of which was intended to support Black communities and advocacy initiatives.

Despite earlier investigations by state officials, no prior probe had resulted in formal charges. But the renewed federal attention comes amid growing political tension, with critics accusing the Trump administration of targeting progressive groups.

The US Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California is leading the investigation, though questions remain about the involvement of top prosecutor Bill Essayli, a former Republican lawmaker who has publicly criticized BLM in the past.

As the investigation unfolds, it reignites debate over how the movement’s funds were used and whether BLM’s financial operations truly aligned with its mission — or became entangled in politics and controversy.

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