Crowdfunding platform GoFundMe has reversed its decision to redistribute nearly $8 million (Can$10 million) in donations made to Canada’s ‘Freedom Convoy’ protest following backlash on social media and threats of investigations by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and various state prosecutors.
Announcing the reversal on Saturday, the site said it would “automatically refund” donations within seven to 10 business days without donors needing to submit an application. The company claimed it was “simplifying the process” due to “donor feedback.” It also clarified that the earlier update would have “enabled all donors to get a refund,” but also “outlined a plan to distribute remaining funds to verified charities selected by the Freedom Convoy organizers.”
The site originally shut down donations after “multiple discussions with local law enforcement” and “reports of violence and other unlawful activity” at the trucker-led campaign against Covid-19 vaccine mandates. Protesters have been camping out in the Canadian capital, Ottawa, for over a week – with GoFundMe describing it on Friday as an “occupation.”
However, the move was criticized by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who tweeted on Saturday that he and state Attorney General Ashley Moody will “investigate these deceptive practices.” The Republican governor called it a “fraud” for GoFundMe to “commandeer $9 [million] in donations sent to support truckers and give it to causes of their own choosing,” adding that donors should be refunded.