Missouri opens investigation into ActBlue over possible irregularities in political donations

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway is launching an investigation into ActBlue, a fundraising platform used by Democratic Party candidates and organizations, for possible violations of the Missouri Fair Trade Practices Act (MMPA).

According to the state Attorney General's Office, the investigation seeks to determine whether ActBlue engaged in potential fraudulent practices, made misleading statements, improperly received or handled foreign contributions, and engaged in other practices deemed unfair.

"When political fundraising is compromised, public trust and the foundations of our democracy are put at risk," Hanaway stated. The attorney general added that Missouri residents deserve a political system based on honesty and with guarantees that campaigns are not funded by illegal foreign sources.

Investigation into possible foreign contributions

According to the Missouri Attorney General's Office, political contributions from foreign entities are prohibited by federal law.

Hanaway's office noted that the U.S. House of Representatives Administration Committee referred information regarding ActBlue's activities to the Missouri Attorney General's Office for a potential investigation.

The state investigation will seek to determine whether ActBlue sent funds obtained through fraudulent contributions to a political office, campaign or committee in Missouri.

According to the Attorney General's Office, ActBlue is a platform used by nearly 23,000 Democratic candidates and groups and raised nearly $1.8 billion in 2025 for progressive causes across the country.

Suspicions about verification procedures

The Missouri Attorney General's Office stated that recent reports raise questions about the procedures used by ActBlue to verify donations.

According to Hanaway's office, these mechanisms may have allowed for the receipt and use of money coming directly from foreign sources.

The investigation will also examine the alleged use of prepaid cards or gift cards to make donations. The Attorney General's Office maintains that this type of method can make it difficult to trace the origin of the funds and asserts that it has been used by foreign donors to conceal contributions.

In addition, authorities are investigating the possibility that fraudulent contributions were made to ActBlue using false identities or in the names of other people without their knowledge.

These issues are among the allegations the Attorney General's Office seeks to clarify during the investigation.

They are also investigating complaints from employees

Hanaway's office is also reviewing several resignations, terminations and internal complaints related to ActBlue.

According to the Attorney General's Office, some employees may have warned about weaknesses in fraud prevention systems, questioned internal decisions, or believed that the company was not adequately addressing fraud risks.

The investigation will determine whether any of those employees were retaliated against or disciplined for voicing those concerns.