Trump targets ActBlue for investigation of straw donors

President Trump is targeting ActBlue, the major online donation platform used by Democrats, by cracking down on “straw donors” or foreign campaign contributions, which he says the site has been involved in.

Mr. Trump signed a memorandum Thursday directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate allegations of using online fundraising platforms to make “straw” or “dummy” donations or foreign contributions in U.S. elections.

“President Trump is taking action to address malign actors and foreign nationals who seek to illegally influence American elections, undermining the integrity of our electoral process,” a fact sheet of the order says.

Donations from foreign nationals are illegal, and prohibited by the Federal Election Commission.

The memo specifically cites ActBlue and alleges that “hundreds of ActBlue donations from foreign IP addresses using prepaid cards” were made over 30 days during the 2024 election.

“ActBlue has become notorious for its lax standards that enable unverified and fraudulent donations,” it says.

In a statement, ActBlue said “the Trump Administration’s and GOP’s targeting of ActBlue is part of their brazen attack on democracy in America.”

“Today’s escalation by the White House is blatantly unlawful and needs to be seen for what it is: Donald Trump’s latest front in his campaign to stamp out all political, electoral and ideological opposition,” it said.

The leaders of the Democratic National Committee, Democratic Governors Association, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee released a joint statement defending ActBlue.

“Donald Trump’s memorandum targeting ActBlue is designed to undermine democratic participation — and it’s no wonder why,” the organizations said. “He knows Americans are already fed up with his chaotic agenda that is driving the economy off a cliff, so he’s trying to block lawful grassroots donations from supporters giving just $5 or $10 to candidates who oppose him while further empowering the corrupt billionaires who already control his administration. As Democrats, we’re unified in standing with the millions of Americans who are fighting back against Trump’s dangerous abuses of power.”

Republicans have repeatedly targeted ActBlue. Last October, two Republican lawmakers requested a probe of the site for potential election interference through fraudulent donations by foreign actors.

Last month, Rep. Andy Biggs, Arizona Republican, sent a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel requesting an inquiry into the fundraising site.