Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, is investigating reports that a US union representing about 600,000 members may be helping advance the Cuban government’s interests. The inquiry matters because it raises concerns about possible foreign influence within a major American labour organisation and whether US groups are acting on behalf of a foreign government.

Fox News reported that federal officials are examining whether American non-profits and activists are involved in what they describe as a malign foreign influence campaign. Video cited by the outlet purportedly shows a senior Cuban embassy official identifying legislation that Cuba wants US organisations and activists to support.