Several prominent progressive figures such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed are continuing to raise campaign funds through ActBlue. This fundraising platform is under scrutiny due to allegations that it failed to prevent illegal foreign donations from entering U.S. political campaigns.
ActBlue recently regained attention when a viral video emerged. In the video, an 88-year-old Michigan woman, Elizabeth Waffle, disputed political donations totaling nearly $150,000 that were attributed to her in federal campaign finance records. Although she acknowledged using ActBlue, she challenged the high donation amount reported. According to Federal Election Commission records, more than 15,000 contributions over six years have been attributed to her.
Since its inception in 2004, ActBlue claims to have processed over $19 billion in donations. The platform often serves Democratic candidates, party committees, and progressive organizations, branding itself as a counterbalance to special interests.
The Investigation
ActBlue is under investigation by House committees since 2023. The investigation focuses on the platform’s fraud-prevention measures and whether it effectively blocks illegal foreign and fraudulent donations. ActBlue has denied any wrongdoing.
In April 2025, an interim staff report mentioned internal records that revealed ActBlue detected 237 donations from foreign IP addresses using domestic prepaid cards within a 30-day period in late 2024. This was noted as a potential fraud indicator. Despite the ongoing congressional investigation, no findings have accused ActBlue of violating campaign finance laws or prevented it from processing donations.
The platform continues to operate, processing donations for high-profile Democratic campaigns and organizations. El-Sayed, endorsed by Sanders, and others like Rep. Ilhan Omar and Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong, rely on ActBlue for their fundraising efforts. The Democratic National Committee and thousands of other campaigns also use ActBlue.
Republican National Committee demands explanations from Democratic candidates for their reliance on ActBlue despite the allegations and investigations. The RNC alleges that Democrats overlook special interests when it benefits them.
Milan Donor Case
The case involving Elizabeth Waffle has fueled the scrutiny of ActBlue. Waffle contends that nearly $150,000 attributed to her as political donations is incorrect. Federal Election Commission records show 47 contributions totaling around $518 from her to El-Sayed’s campaign between October 2025 and July 2026. Waffle acknowledged using ActBlue but disputed the enormous donation amount attributed to her.
El-Sayed’s campaign, which rejects corporate PAC money, continues to raise funds through ActBlue. The campaign did not comment on its continued use of the platform or the allegations involving Waffle.
In response, ActBlue describes the allegations as politically motivated. It plans to continue supporting Democratic campaigns, denying any unlawful conduct and affirming its fraud-prevention measures meet legal standards.
“For three years, ActBlue has been targeted by MAGA Republicans because of who we are and what we stand for, not because of any unlawful conduct,” the organization said.
House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil confirmed that the committee is looking into Waffle’s case as a part of its investigation. ActBlue employees, including CEO Regina Wallace-Jones, have refused to answer questions under oath during the investigation, invoking the Fifth Amendment.
The investigation into ActBlue continues, with congressional hearings seeking more clarity on its practices.