In a move raising political and legal eyebrows, President Donald Trump has announced plans to instruct the Justice Department to launch an investigation into ActBlue, a central fundraising entity for the Democratic Party, over allegations involving illegal donations.

In a controversial decision, Trump has ordered a probe of ActBlue for potentially illicit fundraising practices, including foreign and straw donor contributions, as the New York Times reports.

Last Thursday, it became public that President Trump would use his executive power to direct heightened scrutiny of ActBlue.

Politico and other media outlets noted that Trump was expected to sign a memorandum that will initiate this probe.

The upcoming investigation will be spearheaded by Attorney General Pam Bondi. This move aligns with growing concerns among Democratic Party groups about potential executive actions that might impact nonprofit operations involved in political fundraising and advocacy.

Allegations spark concern

ActBlue is a pivotal platform that significantly bolsters Democratic Party candidates and causes through its fundraising capabilities.

However, it has come under fire from Republican circles with accusations of facilitating straw and foreign donations, actions which would contravene federal election laws.

Faced with these allegations, ActBlue has responded via its spokeswoman, Megan Hughes, stating, "ActBlue plays a vital role in enabling all Americans to participate in our democracy and the organization strictly abides by all federal and state laws governing its activities."

Hughes emphasized the group's commitment to legal compliance and the uninterrupted continuation of their mission despite the impending investigation.

Democrats react

The announcement has triggered a significant response from the Democratic Party community. Fundraising appeals have surged, tapping into concerns about the probe's implications.

Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) has been vocal, urging supporters to contribute to his campaign’s emergency fund through ActBlue, highlighting the urgency of being prepared for any possible challenges.

Meanwhile, Regina Wallace-Jones, CEO of ActBlue, has rallied support to combat what she describes as "the creeping despotism of the right."

This sentiment reflects a broader apprehension within the Democratic Party that the probe could expand to encompass any entity utilizing ActBlue, thus potentially dampening their overall fundraising efficacy.

Executive actions spark Democrats' fears

Recent actions by Trump also included signing memoranda that initiated investigations into two vocal from his first presidential term, indicating to some a pattern of using executive power against political opponents.

Democratic Party entities have expressed heightened anxiety and distress over these moves, perceiving them as strategic distractions by the administration.

Wallace-Jones remarked on the efficacy of such tactics, stating, "The current strategy of distraction and exhaustion is effective. We see this across the country and are not immune to this ourselves."

This narrative builds on the ongoing dialogue about administration tactics perceived on the left as undermining democratic processes.

The White House, however, has countered these concerns. Officials from the administration have stated that no such executive orders geared specifically towards targeting nonprofit organizations are being prepared, potentially providing some reassurance amid the growing tensions.