Full Breakdown
ActBlue Co-founder Pleads Fifth in Closed-Door Deposition as House Committees Probe Fraud Controls
8/21/2026, 5:29:25 AM
Core Event: Fifth Amendment Invocation
On August 20, 2026, Matt DeBergalis, co-founder, president and chairman of ActBlue, was deposed before the House Administration, Judiciary and Oversight and Government Reform committees. The closed-door session lasted roughly 25 minutes, and DeBergalis invoked his Fifth Amendment right multiple times, refusing to answer lawmakers’ questions about the platform’s donation-verification practices.
Background of the Investigation
The joint Republican-led inquiry began in 2023 after the House Administration Committee highlighted ActBlue’s former practice of not requiring a credit-card security code (CVV). Lawmakers allege that lax fraud-prevention standards may have allowed foreign or fraudulent contributions to flow into Democratic campaigns.
Data & Statistics
- ActBlue reports having raised roughly $20 billion since its creation.
- In the second quarter of 2026 the platform processed $586 million for Democratic candidates, causes and organizations.
- Attorney General Todd Blanche said in April that the ActBlue matter was a “top priority” for his office.
Official Statements & Responses
ActBlue has repeatedly denied violating election-law provisions and rejects claims that it knowingly permitted illegal foreign contributions. Republican Chairman Bryan Steil questioned the platform’s current safeguards, asking, “It’s unclear how serious ActBlue is now taking fraud. We know that they weakened their fraud standards previously. Did they make the changes that are needed to root out foreign funds from coming into US Elections?” “It’s unclear how serious ActBlue is now taking fraud. We know that they weakened their fraud standards previously. Did they make the changes that are needed to root out foreign funds from coming into US Elections?” “What is so frustrating for me, and I think countless others — they have a right to not answer our questions, but I think the American people also have a right to know exactly what’s taking place on this platform that has raised roughly $20 billion for Democratic candidates and liberal causes since its creation,” — Bryan Steil, chairman
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s unclear how serious ActBlue is now taking fraud. We know that they weakened their fraud standards previously. Did they make the changes that are needed to root out foreign funds from coming into US Elections?” — Bryan Steil, chairman, House Administration Committee “It’s unclear how serious ActBlue is now taking fraud. We know that they weakened their fraud standards previously. Did they make the changes that are needed to root out foreign funds from coming into US Elections?” — Bryan Steil, chairman
- “What is so frustrating for me, and I think countless others — they have a right to not answer our questions, but I think the American people also have a right to know exactly what’s taking place on this platform that has raised roughly $20 billion for Democratic candidates and liberal causes since its creation,” — Bryan Steil, chairman, House Administration Committee “What is so frustrating for me, and I think countless others — they have a right to not answer our questions, but I think the American people also have a right to know exactly what’s taking place on this platform that has raised roughly $20 billion for Democratic candidates and liberal causes since its creation,” — Bryan Steil, chairman
