House Committees Urge DOJ Investigation into ActBlue Over Alleged Fraud Vulnerabilities

Three powerful House committees are escalating their scrutiny of ActBlue, the Democratic Party’s primary fundraising platform, by formally requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the organization’s practices. Citing years of investigation, the Republican chairmen of the House Oversight Committee, House Judiciary Committee, and Committee on House Administration are raising serious concerns about ActBlue’s fraud prevention measures and its potential vulnerability to illicit foreign influence.

In a letter delivered to the DOJ on Wednesday, Representatives James Comer (R-Ky.), Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), and Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) asserted that their investigation has revealed significant weaknesses in ActBlue’s safeguards against fraudulent activity. They allege that these vulnerabilities could be exploited by bad actors, including those operating from outside the United States, to make illegal political donations, potentially impacting the integrity of U.S. elections.

The committees have been probing ActBlue for an extended period, focusing on the platform’s donor verification policies, security measures, and responsiveness to concerns raised by lawmakers. Representative Steil initially voiced apprehension in late 2023 when accusations surfaced that ActBlue did not consistently require a card verification value (CVV) number for credit card donations. This lack of mandatory CVV verification, critics argued, made the platform significantly more susceptible to fraudulent transactions.

While ActBlue initially offered what the committees described as a "lackluster response" to inquiries regarding the CVV issue, evidence later emerged indicating that the platform did, in some instances, require CVV numbers for donations, including on pages associated with former Vice President Kamala Harris’s White House campaign, as observed by Fox News Digital in August 2024.

However, the committees remained unconvinced, pressing ActBlue for further clarification and documentation. Representative Steil’s panel ultimately issued a subpoena, compelling ActBlue to produce documents related to its donor verification policies, contributions originating from outside the United States, deplatformed entities, and reported unauthorized or fraudulent donations.

The documents obtained through the subpoena revealed that ActBlue had indeed accepted unverified payments during a period of heightened campaign fundraising activity. While ActBlue subsequently updated its policies to reject donations without safeguards such as a CVV requirement, the committees’ investigation suggests that these changes were implemented only after the platform ensured that they would not adversely affect Democratic fundraising efforts.

Furthermore, the committees expressed concerns that ActBlue may not be adequately deterring foreign actors from exploiting its platform to make illegal political contributions. They released a report last month asserting that ActBlue executives and staff are aware of the risk posed by both foreign and domestic fraudulent actors but have not taken the threat seriously enough.

The committees’ findings raise several critical questions about ActBlue’s operational practices and its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the U.S. electoral system. The lack of consistent CVV verification, the acceptance of unverified payments, and the potential for foreign interference all point to vulnerabilities that could be exploited to undermine the democratic process.

The investigation into ActBlue has expanded to encompass concerns about the platform’s compliance with campaign finance laws and its ability to effectively monitor and prevent fraudulent activity. The committees are particularly interested in determining whether ActBlue has knowingly facilitated illegal donations or failed to take appropriate action to address known vulnerabilities.

The request for a DOJ investigation marks a significant escalation in the scrutiny of ActBlue and underscores the seriousness of the concerns raised by the House committees. A DOJ investigation could involve a thorough examination of ActBlue’s financial records, internal communications, and operational procedures. It could also lead to potential legal action if evidence of wrongdoing is uncovered.

ActBlue has consistently defended its practices, asserting that it rigorously protects donor security and maintains strict anti-fraud compliance measures. A spokesperson for the organization stated late last year that ActBlue has "zero tolerance for fraud" on its platform and dismissed the committees’ accusations as "inaccuracies and misrepresentations."

However, the committees remain skeptical of ActBlue’s assurances and believe that a DOJ investigation is necessary to determine the full extent of the platform’s vulnerabilities and its potential impact on U.S. elections.

The outcome of the DOJ investigation could have significant implications for ActBlue and the Democratic Party. If the investigation uncovers evidence of wrongdoing, it could lead to legal penalties, reputational damage, and increased regulatory scrutiny. It could also prompt calls for reforms to campaign finance laws and regulations.

The investigation into ActBlue is part of a broader effort by Republicans to scrutinize the financial practices of political organizations and ensure compliance with campaign finance laws. The committees have also expressed interest in investigating other fundraising platforms and organizations, raising concerns about potential vulnerabilities and the risk of foreign interference in U.S. elections.

The controversy surrounding ActBlue highlights the importance of maintaining robust security measures and ensuring transparency in campaign finance. As political campaigns become increasingly reliant on online fundraising platforms, it is essential to safeguard against fraud, prevent foreign interference, and maintain public trust in the integrity of the electoral process.

A DOJ spokesperson confirmed receipt of the letter from the House committees but declined to comment further. The investigation into ActBlue is ongoing, and the committees have pledged to continue their oversight efforts to ensure that the platform complies with all applicable laws and regulations.

The article also mentions that Republicans are discussing defunding big abortion like Planned Parenthood in a potential Trump agenda bill, though details about this topic are not further elaborated within the current context of the ActBlue investigation. Another topic briefly introduced is the GOP’s focus on Brown University after a student email incident but this also stands independently from the primary issue surrounding ActBlue.