ActBlue Faces Scrutiny Over Potential Misleading of Congress on Foreign Donations

Lawyers warned the Democratic payment processor that it may have misled Congress about its efforts to block foreign donations.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:41pm

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Lawyers representing ActBlue, a Democratic payment processor, wrote memos warning that the organization may have misled Congress regarding its efforts to block foreign donations. The memos outlined how ActBlue's procedures created a 'substantial risk' that some of the funds received were impermissible contributions from foreign nationals, contradicting the company's previous statements to Congress.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about potential violations of federal laws prohibiting foreign nationals from making political donations in the United States. It also highlights the importance of transparency and truthfulness in communications between private organizations and Congress.

The details

In 2023, Republican lawmakers raised concerns that ActBlue was not collecting enough information from donors to guard against fraud and illegal donations made by foreign nationals. ActBlue responded by stating that its approach to combating such improper contributions was 'multilayered, with checks and confirmations occurring throughout the donation process to verify donors and donor information.' However, ActBlue's own lawyers at the time, Covington & Burling, felt that characterization was inaccurate and warned the payment processor that it may have misled Congress.

  • In 2023, Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) and then-Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) raised concerns about ActBlue's donation verification processes.
  • In November 2023, ActBlue wrote a letter to Congress stating its approach to combating improper contributions.
  • Covington & Burling, ActBlue's then-law firm, subsequently wrote memos warning the payment processor that it may have misled Congress.

The players

ActBlue

A Democratic payment processor that facilitates online political donations.

Covington & Burling

The law firm that served as outside counsel for ActBlue and wrote memos warning the payment processor that it may have misled Congress.

Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI)

A Republican congressman who raised concerns about ActBlue's donation verification processes.

Marco Rubio (R-FL)

A former Republican senator who, along with Rep. Steil, raised concerns about ActBlue's donation verification processes.

Kimberly Peeler-Allen

A member of ActBlue's board of directors who attempted to downplay the criticism of the payment processor.

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What they’re saying

“This presents a substantial risk for ActBlue”

— Covington & Burling, ActBlue's then-law firm

“less than 1%' of the transactions it processed during the 2024 election cycle had signs that they originated in foreign countries”

— Kimberly Peeler-Allen, Member of ActBlue's board of directors

“We didn't do it immediately, but as we understood the gap, then we remedied the situation and answered, continued to answer truthfully to the best of our knowledge at the time”

— Kimberly Peeler-Allen, Member of ActBlue's board of directors

What’s next

Rep. Bryan Steil (R-WI) has stated that his investigation into ActBlue remains ongoing and that he won't stop until he has answers.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of transparency and truthfulness in communications between private organizations and Congress, as well as the need for robust safeguards to prevent foreign interference in U.S. elections.