In a move to address alleged foreign contributions to US elections, President Donald Trump issued a memorandum targeting ActBlue, a prominent Democratic fundraising platform. The memo directed the attorney general to investigate claims of unlawful donations, including ‘straw’ or ‘dummy’ contributions and foreign funding to political candidates and committees. ActBlue’s CEO, Regina Wallace-Jones, anticipated this action, acknowledging the anxiety it caused within the organization.
The Trump administration’s focus on ActBlue is part of a broader effort to weaken Democratic fundraising capabilities, as reported by The New York Times. Republican lawmakers, including Representative Darrell Issa, have called for investigations into ActBlue over alleged ties to questionable organizations. Despite internal strife and senior officials’ departures, ActBlue has updated its policies to prevent illicit donations.
The scrutiny on ActBlue coincides with Democrats’ preparations for the upcoming midterm elections. The Democratic National Committee unveiled a plan to support state parties with monthly donations, aiming to enhance Democratic prospects in red states. Amidst unsubstantiated claims and political tensions, ActBlue remains steadfast in its mission to facilitate democratic participation for millions of Americans despite the challenges it faces.
