Trucker 'Freedom Convoy' sparks more controversy after GoFundMe refunds $10 million

(The Center Square) – A Canadian movement of truckers protesting the country’s vaccine mandate has inspired a similar protest in the U.S., with a convoy expected to arrive at the nation’s capital next month. That movement, though, sparked controversy beyond its protest this weekend after a run-in with the popular online fundraiser, GoFundMe.

GoFundMe announced it would refund more than $10 million in donations to donors of the “Freedom Convoy” online fundraiser after threats of a fraud investigation from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis threatened the investigation after GoFundMe reportedly froze the fundraising account Friday and said they would give the funds to another charity of Freedom Convoy’s choice.

The decision sparked outrage online and the pushback from DeSantis.

“It is a fraud for [GoFundMe] to commandeer $9M in donations sent to support truckers and give it to causes of their own choosing,” DeSantis said. “I will work with [Attorney General Ashley Moody] to investigate these deceptive practices – these donors should be given a refund.”
GoFundMe said the protest had become violent, though media from Ottawa reports few violent outbreaks.