Federal Investigation into Black Lives Matter Spending
Reports about Black Lives Matter’s (BLM) extensive donor spending surfaced years before the recent news of a federal investigation into potential fraud. Back in June 2020, it was noted that the BLM Global Network (BLMGN) had allocated millions over a three-year span on things like consultants, travel, and staff salaries. According to the Associated Press, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is revisiting an investigation into whether the BLM Global Network Foundation (BLMGNF) misled its donors following the organization’s rise during nationwide protests against police violence.
The investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles originally started during the Biden administration but has gained momentum under President Trump, particularly with Bill Esseri, a Trump appointee, at the helm. Esseri’s office has not commented on inquiries from media sources.
BLMGNF leaders, who have previously denied any wrongdoing, are reportedly facing subpoenas as part of the ongoing investigation. In a statement, the BLMGNF asserted, “The Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation is not the subject of a federal criminal investigation,” while affirming their commitment to transparency and responsible management of resources aimed at enhancing Black communities.
The Justice Department has the authority to investigate fraud at either a civil or criminal level; however, the specific legal framework governing this BLM investigation is somewhat ambiguous.
In 2020, various mainstream media outlets largely overlooked claims of financial mismanagement within BLM, despite allegations from multiple chapters about the organization’s failure to provide adequate financial support. That year also marked the arrest of Greater Atlanta leader Sir Majo Page, who was charged with misappropriating $200,000 in donations for personal use. He is expected to serve a 42-month prison sentence starting in October 2024 for his actions.
Page’s arrest was just one of several financial controversies surrounding BLM. In May 2021, co-founder Patrice Cullors announced her resignation after it was revealed she had paid $238,000 in service fees to a company owned by her child’s father. Philanthropy experts raised ethical questions regarding potential self-dealing within BLM.
Additionally, BLMGNF temporarily halted fundraising features on its website in February 2022 when California and Washington threatened legal action over missing financial documentation. It was later disclosed that $6 million of BLMGNF’s budget had been spent on a mansion, without prior public disclosure, which led to a fraud lawsuit that was dismissed by a California judge in 2023. Nevertheless, this purchase continues to raise suspicions about the organization possibly defrauding its supporters.
Alarmingly, between July 2022 and June 2023, several companies linked to BLM leaders and their families received lucrative contracts amounting to millions from BLMGNF, causing further concern among experts regarding the foundation’s adherence to its charitable obligations.
Fast forward to five years after BLM gained national attention in the summer of 2020, a poll conducted in May 2025 revealed that most Americans feel the heightened racial awareness has yet to produce significant benefits for Black individuals. This sentiment reflects criticisms of BLM’s stance during 2020, which labeled the organization as “anti-police” and “anti-American.”
