Today, President Donald Trump signed a memorandum directing the Attorney General to investigate ActBlue—the nation’s largest small-dollar fundraising platform, used not only by Democratic candidates but also by thousands of nonprofit organizations and grassroots movements. These include groups that provide essential community services, fight for civil rights, and work to protect our democracy.  

This action is a politically motivated attempt to silence critics and choke off funding for those who challenge his agenda. By weaponizing the federal government against a platform that powers civic engagement, Trump is threatening the financial lifeblood of countless organizations working to serve and empower the public. 

Statement of Common Cause President & CEO Virginia Kase Solomón:

“For over 50 years, Common Cause has fought to ensure that everyday people—not big money or political insiders—have a voice in our democracy. Any attempt to dismantle a platform that empowers small donors, while turning a blind eye to the flood of secretive big money, is not just hypocritical—it is dangerous. 

Donald Trump’s attack against ActBlue is the act of a dictator. This is a blatant attempt to cripple his political critics and leave only a shell of token opposition. This illegal and undemocratic power grab is taken directly from the playbooks of Vladimir Putin and the other dictators that Trump so admires. We have seen this movie before. The despots Trump envies have gutted the political parties and institutions that stood in the way or might mount a viable opposition.  

The office of the president is meant to serve in the interest of all the people—not one political party. With today’s action, Donald Trump has abandoned millions of Americans simply because of their political beliefs. 

Trump is launching attacks against any and everyone who doesn’t agree with him and his goal of one-party rule. He is attacking judges, the courts, law firms, the rule of law and his political opponents in his dangerous assault against our democracy. 

If our elected officials do not act as a check on these abuses of power, they must still answer to the people. At Common Cause, we believe in holding power accountable—through the courts, in the streets, and at the ballot box. That’s how democracy works, and that’s why we’ll continue to stand up for transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.”