The Justice Department has launched a federal investigation into whether the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation defrauded donors who gave millions to the group during the nationwide protests that erupted after the 2020 death of George Floyd. Federal authorities have issued subpoenas and executed a search warrant as part of the inquiry, which is focused on the foundation’s financial dealings following its rapid rise to prominence during the unrest.
Anonymous federal sources confirmed that the probe is underway and being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. The investigation reportedly began under the Biden administration but has gained momentum during President Donald Trump’s current term. While no charges have been filed yet, the existence of the investigation casts new scrutiny on an organization that received more than $90 million in donations at the height of the protests.
At the time, the group said it was committed to building “Black power” and dismantling systemic racism. But critics quickly questioned where the money was going. That criticism exploded in 2022 when it was revealed that co-founder Patrisse Cullors used BLM funds to purchase a $6 million Los Angeles mansion—complete with six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a pool, and luxurious amenities. Cullors later admitted to hosting personal gatherings at the property and resigned from the organization in 2023.
Despite the organization’s claim that it is not the “target” of a criminal probe, federal interest in BLM’s finances is clear. Its most recent IRS filing shows the foundation still holds $28 million in assets, yet transparency around expenditures has remained murky.
The timing of the investigation has stirred concern among left-leaning advocacy groups, who accuse the Trump administration of politically targeting progressive causes. But supporters of the probe argue that accountability is overdue for an organization that claimed moral authority while allegedly mismanaging millions in public donations.
The rise of the BLM movement began in 2013, but it wasn’t until the violent riots and protests of 2020—some of which resulted in deaths and widespread property destruction—that the group became a household name. The donations poured in from corporations, celebrities, and average citizens alike, many of whom believed their contributions were supporting genuine reform efforts.
If wrongdoing is uncovered, it could mark a major turning point in public perception of BLM, raising serious questions about donor trust, nonprofit oversight, and political accountability in the post-2020 landscape.
