Scrutiny Intensifies Over ActBlue Amid Allegations and Investigations

Several prominent progressives, such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed, continue to raise campaign funds through ActBlue. This is despite ongoing congressional investigations into the platform over concerns of illegal foreign donations entering U.S. political campaigns through it.

ActBlue, one of the largest online fundraising platforms for Democratic candidates and progressive organizations, is currently under the spotlight. A viral video of an 88-year-old woman from Michigan, Elizabeth Waffle, disputing nearly $150,000 in donations attributed to her has intensified scrutiny. Waffle admitted to using ActBlue for donations but contested the amount recorded in her name. Federal Election Commission records suggest she made over 15,000 contributions in six years.

Founded in 2004, ActBlue has processed over $19 billion in donations, marketing itself as a grassroots platform countering dark money influences in politics. However, Republicans argue it’s vulnerable to fraud and foreign donations. Since 2023, House committees have reviewed ActBlue’s fraud-prevention practices to determine if illegal contributions were properly prevented. ActBlue denies any wrongdoing.

An investigation report from April 2025 highlighted 237 donations via foreign IP addresses using domestic prepaid cards, leading to fraud suspicions. Despite the probe, no violations have been confirmed regarding ActBlue’s adherence to campaign finance laws.

‘ActBlue employees have repeatedly refused to answer questions under oath about fraud and illegal foreign donations on their platform.’

ActBlue’s extensive role in Democratic fundraising includes providing digital tools, campaign websites, and voter engagement services. It handles donations for notable campaigns, such as those of El-Sayed, Sanders, and other Democratic bodies like the Democratic National Committee.

The Republican National Committee has criticized Democratic reliance on ActBlue amid the investigation and claims of unauthorized donations. However, ActBlue describes the charges as politically motivated and affirms that its fraud prevention outpaces legal standards.

The case of Elizabeth Waffle serves as a potential instance of misattributed donations. Waffle, who resides in a trailer after her house burned down, claims her contributions through ActBlue do not amount to $150,000 as suggested by records. Her acknowledgment of using ActBlue fails to reconcile the vast discrepancy in figures attributed to her.

The House Administration Committee continues to examine ActBlue’s practices. Key ActBlue staff, including CEO Regina Wallace-Jones, have invoked the Fifth Amendment during questioning, keeping the investigation ongoing.

ActBlue maintains it operates within the law, contesting the ongoing scrutiny as unjustified attacks from opposition parties. The investigation aims to determine the platform’s integrity and role in potential fraudulent activities.