Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) has demanded that the Federal Trade Commission launch a full investigation into GoFundMe after the for-profit crowdfunding company deplatformed the Freedom Convoy's multi-million dollar campaign.
The popular Texas senator appeared on Fox News host Maria Bartiromo's "Sunday Morning Features" show, telling her on-air: "Today I sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission asking that the FTC open an investigation into GoFundMe into whether they've committed deceptive trade practices."
"Because when people gave money, they gave money under the promise it would go to the Freedom Convoy, not to whatever left-wing political ideology GoFundMe and other Silicon Valley companies support. They are deceiving consumers and it is wrong," continued Cruz in the Sunday segment, according to Fox News.
GoFundMe had shut down the Freedom Convoy fundraiser after it had raised $10 million for the truckers. The company first said that it was going to send the remainder of the funds to other "credible and established charities," before GoFundMe reversed course, citing "donor feedback," following backlash.
Gov. Rick DeSantis (R-FL) is taking similar action according to a Saturday tweet, vowing that he will work with Florida's attorney general to investigate GoFundMe:
"It is a fraud for @gofundme to commandeer $9M in donations sent to support truckers and give it to causes of their own choosing. I will work with @AGAshleyMoody to investigate these deceptive practices — these donors should be given a refund," tweeted the Florida governor over the weekend.
It is a fraud for @gofundme to commandeer $9M in donations sent to support truckers and give it to causes of their own choosing.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) February 5, 2022
I will work with @AGAshleyMoody to investigate these deceptive practices — these donors should be given a refund.
Christian crowdfunding website GiveSendGo, a pro-free speech alternative to GoFundMe, has since agreed to host the Freedom Convoy donations.
Alternative video-sharing platform Rumble is offering to help GiveSendGo after it reportedly struggled with server problems due to the massively popular Freedom Convoy fundraiser, which has garnered over $3 million now since its launch.
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