Amid concerns over foreign interference in U.S. elections, House investigators have subpoenaed ActBlue, the prominent Democratic fundraising platform.
Just The News reported that following Treasury alerts on unusual funding patterns, ActBlue faces scrutiny for possible illicit foreign contributions in the 2024 elections.
The investigation was triggered when the Treasury Department's monitoring systems identified multiple suspicious activity reports linked to ActBlue.
These reports raised alarms about potential foreign funds being funneled into Democratic campaigns, possibly from nations like China, Iran, Venezuela, and Russia.
Concerns have prompted action from several key political figures. House Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer, alongside House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil and Senator Ron Johnson, have taken the lead in seeking clarity on these reports. They have requested detailed access to the suspicious activities flagged by the Treasury.
As the committees delve deeper, a subpoena has been issued to ActBlue demanding extensive details on its donor verification processes and anti-fraud measures.
This includes inquiries into the changes in their CVV verification protocols since October 2023 and scrutiny over the use of prepaid cards for donations.
In response to these concerns, Bryan Steil has been proactive on multiple fronts. He recently sponsored legislation aimed at tightening security measures around online political fundraising.
Additionally, on the John Solomon Reports podcast, he expressed worries about "smurfing" — a term used to describe small, dispersed transactions that evade detection but collectively could represent substantial sums.
During a recent computer analysis by Steil’s committee, there were indications of potential straw donations being channeled through ActBlue, further amplifying the need for stringent scrutiny.
Alongside congressional efforts, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines have been asked to provide access to pertinent suspicious activity reports. This collaborative effort across government agencies highlights the gravity of the concerns about election integrity.
Republican lawmakers have also stepped up, requesting classified briefings to better understand the scope of potential foreign money laundering into U.S. elections.
Despite the swirling allegations, ActBlue has consistently denied any misconduct. The platform confirmed its cooperation with the ongoing investigations, reassuring stakeholders of its commitment to lawful operations.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of ActBlue, which prides itself on its long-standing service to Democratic and progressive causes.
"Democratic and progressive campaigns have trusted ActBlue’s two-decade-long track record of innovation and dependability to deliver during big fundraising moments," stated a representative from ActBlue.
The subpoena and investigations have stirred more than just governmental scrutiny. Republican consultant Mark Block has initiated legal action in Wisconsin, claiming identity theft involving unauthorized donations funneled through ActBlue. This lawsuit adds a personal dimension to the broader concerns about fundraising practices.
Block alleges that donations were made in his name without his consent, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in the system that could be exploited for fraud.
