Quick Hit:
Congress is expanding its investigation into ActBlue, probing possible foreign election funding from Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and China to boost Democratic campaigns.
Key Details:
- House and Senate investigators are scrutinizing ActBlue for potential foreign funding schemes involving illicit donations.
- Letters to the Biden administration reveal concerns over money laundering by U.S. adversaries such as Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and China.
- Congress has requested access to Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) and classified intelligence from the Treasury Department, FBI, and other agencies.
DivingDeeper:
Congressional investigators are widening their probe into the online fundraising platform ActBlue, suspecting that foreign actors may have infiltrated the platform to funnel money into Democratic campaigns. According to letters obtained by Just The News, the investigation is focused on adversaries including Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and China, who may be exploiting American donors and using straw donations without their knowledge.
House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil (R-Wis.) and Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) sent bombshell letters to high-ranking officials in the Biden administration, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines. These letters raise alarms about illicit foreign contributions possibly being routed through ActBlue, a key fundraising platform for Democrats.
The lawmakers pointed to the potential use of credit card fraud and money laundering to fund U.S. political campaigns, demanding access to Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) related to ActBlue. These reports, filed by U.S. banks, are essential in monitoring transactions that raise red flags for illegal activity, including money laundering and fraud.
The letters also request classified briefings from the FBI and U.S. intelligence agencies to further investigate how foreign adversaries may be attempting to influence U.S. elections. The probe is part of a broader effort to ensure the integrity of campaign finances and prevent foreign meddling in American elections.
With concerns about the use of prepaid credit cards and identity theft as part of these schemes, the pressure is on the Biden administration to provide the requested information and support the investigation into possible foreign election interference. As the 2024 election season intensifies, these revelations could have serious implications for Democrats and the broader U.S. political landscape.