Trump DOJ gets update on ActBlue probe by House GOP: ‘Overlooks bad actors’
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, and Committee on House Administration Chairman Bryan Steil are providing an update to the Department of Justice on their ongoing investigation into ActBlue. ActBlue is a political action committee and fundraising platform for the Democratic Party that has been under scrutiny for its weak fraud-prevention practices and alleged oversight of bad actors, including foreign entities, making illicit political donations.
The three Republican chairmen wrote a letter to the DOJ highlighting their concerns about ActBlue’s activities, which they believe could have a direct impact on U.S. political campaigns and elections. Steil initially raised red flags about ActBlue in late 2023 when it was revealed that the platform did not require a card verification value (CVV) number for credit card donations, making them less secure. Despite ActBlue’s subsequent implementation of CVV requirements, the committees continued to investigate the platform’s practices.
The House Administration Committee, led by Steil, issued a subpoena to ActBlue for documents related to donor verification policies, contributions from outside the U.S., deplatformed entities, and unauthorized or fraudulent donations. The responsive documents confirmed that ActBlue accepted unverified payments during a period of significant campaign fundraising. The committees found that ActBlue only updated its policies after ensuring they would not negatively impact Democratic donations.
A report released by the committees last month alleged that ActBlue executives and staff were aware of fraudulent actors exploiting the platform but did not take the threat seriously. When reached for comment, ActBlue dismissed the accusations as inaccuracies and misrepresentations, emphasizing their commitment to donor security and anti-fraud practices.
The DOJ has acknowledged receipt of the letter from the committees but declined to comment further on the matter. The investigation into ActBlue’s operations and potential vulnerabilities to foreign interference is ongoing, with Republicans continuing to push for transparency and accountability from the fundraising platform.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, has been at the forefront of coverage on the House of Representatives and the ActBlue investigation. For more updates on this story and other political news, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send any tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com.
