Three key House committees are set to update the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding their ongoing investigation into the fundraising platform ActBlue, which primarily supports the Democratic Party. Chairmen James Comer (R-Ky.), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), and Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) have been scrutinizing this platform for several years due to concerns about its security measures.
In a recent letter, the committees emphasized issues surrounding ActBlue’s “weak fraud-prevention practices.” They pointed out that these vulnerabilities could enable foreign actors to exploit the platform for illicit political donations.
Jordan raised alarms about ActBlue’s practices back in late 2023, especially the lack of a requirement for card verification numbers (CVV), which could significantly increase the chances of unauthorized donations. While ActBlue has recently begun requiring CVV numbers for donations like those associated with Kamala Harris’ campaign, the initial response from the platform was viewed as insufficient.
Steil’s committee has issued subpoenas for documents related to ActBlue’s donor verification processes and any contributions coming from outside the United States. In their examination, the committees noted that ActBlue had accepted donations without proper verification during a time of high fundraising.
The investigations have unveiled troubling insights, suggesting that while ActBlue’s leadership is aware of the risks from foreign and domestic fraudsters, the platform has not taken adequate steps to address these threats. Reports indicate that meaningful deterrents against such activities are still lacking.
In response, ActBlue has dismissed the accusations, claiming they maintain strict anti-fraud measures and protect their donors’ security vigorously. A DOJ spokesperson confirmed receipt of the correspondence but has not provided further comments.
This ongoing inquiry highlights the need for accountability and transparency in political fundraising, as lawmakers continue to seek clarity on the impact of these platforms on U.S. elections.
