Internet fundraising nonprofit ActBlue is the subject of a Trump Administration investigation. On April 24, 2025, President Trump issued an official memorandum to investigate donation procedures by online fundraising entities and ascertain whether these platforms enable illegal political contributions. Examples of illegal donations include donations in another’s name and foreign financial contributions. The ActBlue organization is specifically named in the memorandum as an online platform for investigation.
ActBlue is a fundraising platform helping people make online donations. It focuses on progressive organizations, nonprofit organizations, and Democratic candidates. The nonprofit fundraising organization remains steadfast in its fundraising efforts despite this scrutiny. A statement from the organization expresses its intent to defend itself through legal means.
White House Memorandum
NBC News reports that President Trump “signed an executive memorandum Thursday aimed at investigating ActBlue.” The White House presents a goal of examining potentially illegal financial contributions in American politics. These contributions could include “straw donors” (donors giving money in someone else’s name). The White House states that such donations could also include “foreign contributions in American elections.”
According to NBC News, the memorandum mentions ActBlue helping “improperly influence American elections.” CNN reports that this organization has faced “criticism from Trump allies.” Those critical of ActBlue have included Elon Musk. The White House website states that “ActBlue and other online fundraising platforms” are under scrutiny. Instructions in the memorandum are for Pam Bondi, the Attorney General, to investigate internet fundraising.
Reactions to the Memorandum
ActBlue is determined to continue fundraising despite the statement put out by Trump’s administration. On its website, there is a notification stating “nothing will deter or interrupt” its activities. The website expresses a commitment to enabling “millions of Americans to participate in our democracy.”
CNN states that ActBlue issued an official response to the Trump Administration memorandum. According to ActBlue, the memorandum exists within a “brazen attack” on the American democratic process. The nonprofit organization describes Trump’s efforts as pushing out “political, electoral, and ideological opposition.” The organization stated an intent to “pursue all legal avenues” of defense and protection.
Details About ActBlue
ActBlue is a nonprofit organization that facilitates fundraising. A stated goal is to “give donors an easy way to support… candidates and causes.” The nonprofit provides fundraising structures that can be used by nonprofits and progressive organizations. The organization also processes fundraising for Democratic candidates. Funds can be raised for candidates running at a local or national level. The organization acts as a resource for both organizations and donors.
Interested people can donate through the organization’s online platform. The organization charges a fee of 3.95% to fundraisers using the platform to raise money. This fee covers the costs of processing credit card transactions. ActBlue states: “We’re legally required to pass along processing costs to campaigns.” This ensures that in-kind donations are not made to organizations or candidates by the nonprofit.
In addition, the nonprofit’s website lists the organization’s fundraising rules. Donations must abide by this set of requirements. For instance, you must make donations in your name. Donations can only be made by United States citizens and legal residents. Also, donations made by American citizens residing abroad must be made while in the U.S.
Investigation Overview
Trump’s administration has listed ActBlue as an organization to investigate for potentially allowing illegal donations. Such donations could include contributions from “straw donors.” These are donations made by proxy. They could also include donations from international sources toward elections in the United States.
ActBlue is a nonprofit organization that specializes in fundraising. It particularly focuses on nonprofit organizations, Democratic political candidates, and progressive causes. The organization provides a method to donate money to causes and candidates who use its platform. These donations are subject to a set of requirements. In addition, processing fees incurred by ActBlue are passed along to organizations. This ensures that the nonprofit does not inadvertently provide in-kind donations.
