House GOP Probes ActBlue Amidst Alleged Illegal Foreign Donation and Security Failures

Investigation

The GOP is intensifying its investigation into ActBlue over allegations of accepting illegal foreign donations and security failures, aiming to hold all accountable parties responsible.

At a Glance

  • House GOP launches probe into ActBlue over foreign donation allegations.
  • Documents suggest ActBlue accepted donations via foreign prepaid cards.
  • ActBlue updated its policies to curb potential foreign contributions.
  • Findings may be referred to the Trump Justice Department.
  • New legislation seeks to tighten donation requirements.

House GOP Targets ActBlue

House Republicans, led by Rep. Brian Steil, have initiated an inquiry into ActBlue, a significant Democratic fundraising platform. The investigation stems from concerns about foreign contributions potentially entering U.S. elections. Concerns focus on ActBlue’s erstwhile policy of accepting donations via foreign prepaid cards, purportedly from countries such as Iran, Russia, and China.

Speakers like Mike Johnson have amplified the demand for extensive investigations, voicing apprehensions over unlawful foreign funding. “ActBlue was accepting foreign gift cards until September. This is ILLEGAL,” asserted Speaker Mike Johnson.

Security Loopholes and Legislative Actions

The committee, led by Steil, uncovered through subpoenas that ActBlue only altered its policy on foreign prepaid and gift card donations in September. Until then, these channels allowed donations to flow, potentially raising campaign funds. House Republicans are advocating for stronger regulations, introducing legislation to ban donations lacking a CVV number and billing address.

Despite these legislative moves, Rep. Steil states, “While this is a positive step forward, there is still more work to be done to ensure our campaign finance system is fully protected from fraud and unlawful foreign interference.”

ActBlue’s Response

ActBlue insists on its compliance, highlighting its multilayered protections against fraud and foreign interference. President Regina Wallace-Jones stated, “Our approach is multilayered, with checks and confirmations occurring throughout the donation process to verify donors and donor information.”

As the matter progresses, the GOP aims to forward its findings to the incoming Trump Justice Department, anticipating rigorous examination and accountability. Steil conveyed optimism about future administration actions, mentioning cooperation with incoming Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Sources:

  1. House Speaker Seeks Probe of Democrats’ Fundraising

  2. House probes how Democrats’ biggest fundraising effort left open to fraud in 2024

  3. House GOP vows to refer ActBlue fundraising probe to incoming Trump Justice Department

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