Trump tells DOJ to investigate Democrats donation platform ActBlue

President Trump on Thursday requested Attorney General Pam Bondi investigate ActBlue and other donation groups in what the White House says is a crackdown on "illegal 'straw donor' and foreign contributions in American elections."Why it matters: ActBlue is the main online donations platform for Democrats and the fundraising group in a media statement called Trump's action "blatantly unlawful" as it vowed to "immediately pursue all legal avenues to protect and defend" itself.Trump has since taking office for a second time in January used his presidential powers to target people and groups he and his administration have deemed political enemies or unfair critics.Driving the news: The memo directs Bondi "to investigate and take appropriate action concerning allegations regarding the use of online fundraising platforms to make 'straw' or 'dummy' contributions and to make foreign contributions to U.S. political candidates and committees, all of which break the law," per a White House statement.The White House points to an investigation by three Republican-led committees that "detected at least 22 'significant fraud campaigns' in recent years — nearly half of which had a foreign nexus."ActBlue called the committee's allegations "unfounded" and on Thursday said Trump's claims were "baseless," per the Washington Post.What they're saying: ActBlue in its statement said Trump's action "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."The Democratic National Committee and other Democratic groups in a statement said, "Trump's memorandum targeting ActBlue is designed to undermine democratic participation."Representatives for the White House did not respond to Axios' request for comment in the evening.Trump’s scared that he can’t beat Democrats fair and square—so he’s rigging the system.Posted by Democrats on Thursday, April 24, 2025Go deeper: Trump's overflowing grudge list

President Trump on Thursday requested Attorney General Pam Bondi investigate ActBlue and other donation groups in what the White House says is a crackdown on "illegal 'straw donor' and foreign contributions in American elections."Why it matters: ActBlue is the main online donations platform for Democrats and the fundraising group in a media statement called Trump's action "blatantly unlawful" as it vowed to "immediately pursue all legal avenues to protect and defend" itself.Trump has since taking office for a second time in January used his presidential powers to target people and groups he and his administration have deemed political enemies or unfair critics.

Driving the news: The memo directs Bondi "to investigate and take appropriate action concerning allegations regarding the use of online fundraising platforms to make 'straw' or 'dummy' contributions and to make foreign contributions to U.S. political candidates and committees, all of which break the law," per a White House statement.

The White House points to an investigation by three Republican-led committees that "detected at least 22 'significant fraud campaigns' in recent years — nearly half of which had a foreign nexus."ActBlue called the committee's allegations "unfounded" and on Thursday said Trump's claims were "baseless," per the Washington Post.What they're saying: ActBlue in its statement said Trump's action "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.

"The Democratic National Committee and other Democratic groups in a statement said, "Trump's memorandum targeting ActBlue is designed to undermine democratic participation."Representatives for the White House did not respond to Axios' request for comment in the evening.Trump’s scared that he can’t beat Democrats fair and square—so he’s rigging the system.

Posted by Democrats on Thursday, April 24, 2025Go deeper: Trump's overflowing grudge list.