Hasan Piker defends Singham-funded activists at ICE protest

Hasan Piker defended figures in the pro-China activist network funded by American Marxist tech millionaire Neville Roy Singham as "wonderful people" while appearing at a protest outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility.

Piker said there is "this environment of suspicion" surrounding Singham and his activities that takes a "sinister shape," but he added that they are "totally above board and totally legal." He said he has no personal contact with Singham but knows some of the people involved. "They're activists," Piker said. "None of it is actually hidden or illegal in any way, shape or form."

Singham has given $285 million since 2017 to a network of nonprofits that have organized anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis, New York City, Los Angeles, New Jersey and elsewhere. Piker wore a baseball cap with the logo of the Democratic Socialists of America at the New Jersey event.

The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control sent Piker and CodePink an administrative subpoena as part of an investigation into a March convoy to Cuba. Piker said he had not been served and learned of the subpoena from Fox News Digital. CodePink co-founder Medea Benjamin said the notice arrived by email and landed in a spam folder.

The convoy was organized by the People's Forum and Progressive International, both funded by Singham. Piker participated alongside members of CodePink and activists from 145 organizations. The groups are protesting U.S. sanctions on Cuba.

Piker said the scrutiny conflicts with President Trump's campaign promises to defend free speech. He said he feels Trump has "betrayed that message." Piker also offered to debate Fox News host Sean Hannity.

Piker was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and lives in a $2 million home in West Hollywood, California. He was in Trenton to support Democratic Socialists of America-endorsed candidate Adam Hamamy, who is running for Congress.

Piker has denied allegations that he used a shock collar on his dog.