Just one week from Election Day, millions of dollars have poured in online through ActBlue, the Democratic Party’s primary donation processor, but a series of allegations of fraud have put ActBlue in the spotlight and potentially up for a crackdown from House Republicans if they retain the majority this November.
The New York Post reported on a Republican memo showing that the U.S. Treasury found hundreds of donations made to Democrats via ActBlue were flagged by banks as potentially suspicious.
“Democrat donor platform ActBlue may have ILLEGALLY funneled donations from China, Russia, Iran, Venezuela and other countries in the names of Americans – without their consent,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., wrote on X in response to the reporting.
“The [House Admin Committee] is working to get the American people answers they DESERVE,” he continued, referring to the committee’s investigation into ActBlue.
The House Oversight Committee is also investigating ActBlue and helped turn up the subject of the New York Post’s reporting.
ActBlue has declined multiple requests for comment from The Center Square.
As The Center Square previously reported, Republican strategist Mark Block filed a lawsuit saying 35 donations were made to Kamala Harris’ campaign via ActBlue using his name.
ActBlue’s scrutiny is also coming from leaders in Missouri, Virginia, Texas and Wyoming, who have already opened inquiries or pressed ActBlue, citing similar concerns.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton formally made a criminal referral last week to the Department of Justice over ActBlue’s alleged fraudulent donations, which came on the heels of his call for the Federal Elections Commission to step in on the issue.
“I have made a criminal referral to the U.S. Department of Justice based on the findings from our investigation into ActBlue,” Paxton said in a statement. “My investigation uncovered evidence showing that bad actors are likely using ActBlue’s platform to make illegal campaign contributions. It is illegal to engage in election fraud and it is illegal to obscure one’s identity to flout election rules. The Department of Justice must take immediate action to prevent illegal conduct in our elections.”
ActBlue could face more serious inquiry if Republicans retain state government control and the federal legislative bodies. A Department of Justice under President Donald Trump’s second term could act on Paxton’s referral, among others.
