US President Donald Trump has ordered a Justice Department investigation into the Democratic Party's leading fundraising platform.
In an order signed on Thursday, Mr. Trump directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Republican allegations that ActBlue enables illegal election donations.
Democrats, anticipating possible reprisals, condemned the decision on Thursday.
ActBlue described the action as a “repressive use of power” by the presidential administration.
“The Trump administration and the Republican Party's actions against ActBlue are part of their open assault on democracy in the United States. The White House's escalation today is patently illegal and should be treated as such: this is Donald Trump's latest move to stamp out all political, electoral, and ideological opposition,” ActBlue said in a statement.
ActBlue said it was prepared to use “all available legal means to defend itself.”
“ActBlue will continue to carry out its mission and work without delay, providing a safe and secure fundraising platform for the millions of citizens who rely on us.”
Mr. Trump's order requires Ms. Bondi to work with the Treasury Department to investigate allegations that online fundraising platforms, particularly ActBlue, were used by some to make “sham” or “phantom” contributions, as well as foreign donations, to political candidates and committees.
According to the decree, the results of the investigation must be presented within 180 days.
Since taking office, Mr. Trump has sought to use government powers to thwart his opponents, including orders to revoke security clearances and punish law firms associated with prosecutors who investigated him or have ties to his adversaries.
The ActBlue program, which has been used by Democratic campaigns for two decades, has helped ensure a flow of small donations to candidates and charities.
It proved so effective that Republicans eventually created a similar platform, WinRed, which was not mentioned in Mr. Trump's order.
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley supported the investigation, saying in a statement: “The Democrats' dark money scam has gone on long enough.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
