ActBlue Under Investigation for Alleged Fraudulent Donations
ActBlue co-founder Matt DeBergalis invoked the Fifth Amendment during a closed-door deposition with three key House committees, according to sources familiar with the matter. The investigation, conducted by the Committee on House Administration, the House Oversight Committee, and the House Judiciary Committee, focuses on accusations that the fundraising platform may have allowed foreign donations to infiltrate U.S. campaigns due to inadequate fraud prevention measures.
DeBergalis’ deposition, which took place on Thursday morning, was brief, lasting less than half an hour. Fox News reported observing DeBergalis spend approximately 25 minutes entering and leaving the committee room.
“Pleading the Fifth Amendment is not evidence of wrongdoing. ActBlue has consistently denied any breach of law as the probe by Republicans continues,” noted Fox News Digital.
ActBlue, a major player in Democratic campaigns, is used by politicians such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed, among others. Inquiries to ActBlue and members of each committee received no immediate response.
The Committee on House Administration, which oversees U.S. election laws, started its investigation into ActBlue in 2023. Chairman Bryan Steil, R-Wis., accused the platform of potentially accepting fraudulent or foreign donations by not requiring a credit card CVV number for contributions. ActBlue has since mandated a CVV requirement for donations.
An April 2025 report from the committees stated, “ActBlue executives and staff are aware that both foreign and domestic fraudulent actors are exploiting the platform but do not take the threat seriously.” ActBlue’s CEO also used the Fifth Amendment in a public congressional hearing earlier in the year.
On the eve of DeBergalis’ deposition, Steil indicated uncertainty over whether ActBlue updated its fraud prevention standards. He remarked, “It’s unclear how serious ActBlue is now taking fraud. We know they weakened their fraud standards previously. Did they make the changes necessary to prevent foreign funds from entering U.S. elections?”
He also criticized the silence of ActBlue executives in response to questioning from Republicans. “What is so frustrating for me and many others is that while they have the right not to answer questions, the American people also have a right to understand what’s occurring on this platform that has raised nearly $20 billion for Democratic candidates and liberal causes since its creation,” Steil said.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, provides coverage of the House of Representatives. Follow her reporting on Twitter at @liz_elkind or send tips to [email protected].