In a dramatic turn of events, the Democrat fundraising juggernaut ActBlue is reportedly in disarray as internal turmoil escalates. According to the New York Times, a significant exodus of senior officials has occurred, raising questions about the organization’s stability and future. Read more
The investigation, spearheaded by Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) and other congressional Republicans, is focused on uncovering potential fraud involving foreign donations to ActBlue. This scrutiny comes amid concerns about the violation of federal campaign finance laws.
In an August 2024 statement, Rep. Steil emphasized the importance of election integrity:
“Illegal and malicious conduct have no place in our elections. Ensuring all parties are complying with federal election law as we approach a presidential election is of utmost importance. By launching a new phase of our investigation into ActBlue, the Committee on House Administration has begun robust oversight of ActBlue’s lenient donor verification standards. I’m committed to ensuring Americans can have confidence in our elections and to preventing foreign or malicious actors from influencing American elections.”
Reports indicate that at least seven senior executives at ActBlue have resigned since late February, leaving only one lawyer in the general counsel’s office. The New York Times captures the gravity of the situation:
ActBlue…has plunged into turmoil, with at least seven senior officials resigning late last month and a remaining lawyer suggesting he faced internal retaliation. The departures from ActBlue…come as the group is under investigation by congressional Republicans. They have advanced legislation that some Democrats warn could be used to debilitate what is the party’s leading fund-raising operation. The exodus has set off deep concerns about ActBlue’s future. Last week, two unions representing the group’s workers sent a blistering letter to ActBlue’s board of directors that listed the seven officials who had left. The letter described an “alarming pattern” of departures that was “eroding our confidence in the stability of the organization.”
Could Rep. Steil’s probe have ignited the resignation spree at ActBlue? The remaining attorney, Zain Ahmad, suggests he faced retaliation for whistleblowing. He mentions losing access to emails and internal platforms, raising questions about internal conflicts.
Despite not specifying Ahmad’s whistleblower revelations, scrutiny over “smurfing” practices persists. Investigations led by Peter Bernegger and his team reveal potential large-scale laundering of funds through ActBlue, a method allegedly used to funnel millions to Democrat campaigns via unknowing citizens. Read more
The New York Times highlights that a significant weakening of ActBlue could severely impact Democratic fundraising efforts for upcoming elections—from local to presidential races—potentially giving Republicans a strategic advantage.
ActBlue in turmoil. You’re welcome Mr. Kirk and the nation.
Our team toiled for years on this and suffered many consequences along the way. Chris Gleason was instrumental @immutablechrist as was Phillip Allison @TheTVConsPiracy, and Draza Smith @DrazhaS, Julie Seegers, Keith… https://t.co/7rz0s3m49G pic.twitter.com/fu6EGOPn63
— Peter Bernegger (@PeterBernegger)
March 7, 2025
Additionally, ActBlue’s response to the investigation, delivered by Covington & Burling on February 6th, has not mitigated tensions. President Trump has revoked the firm’s security clearances, citing their pro-bono work for Jack Smith, a disgraced special counsel.
President Trump also revoked clearances for Perkins Coie, a law firm intertwined with the infamous Crossfire Hurricane investigation. This firm had previously hired FusionGPS on behalf of the Clinton campaign. Read more
