Federal law prohibits political contributions made in another person's name and by foreign nationals. Despite these regulations, congressional investigations and press reports have revealed concerns about online fundraising platforms potentially engaging in schemes to launder excessive and prohibited contributions. Reports indicate that large contributions may be split into smaller amounts and falsely attributed to other individuals, possibly without their knowledge.
The reports suggest these "straw donations" could be using "dummy" accounts and possibly making use of gift cards or prepaid credit cards to avoid detection. Additionally, evidence suggests foreign nationals may be misusing these platforms to improperly influence American elections. A House of Representatives inquiry found that the platform ActBlue detected 22 significant fraud campaigns, with nearly half having a foreign connection. During the 2024 campaign's 30-day period, 237 donations were traced to foreign IP addresses using prepaid cards, marking this a significant concern.
To address these activities undermining the electoral process, the memorandum directs the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to investigate these allegations. The investigation will focus on unlawful fraudulent and foreign contributions via online platforms. The Attorney General is asked to report back within 180 days on the investigation's results.
The memorandum clarifies it does not establish any enforceable rights or benefits against the United States or its entities.
"Memorandum for the Secretary of the Treasury; The Attorney General; The Counsel to the President."
"Investigation into Unlawful 'Straw Donor' and Foreign Contributions in American Elections."
"Federal law (52 U.S.C. 30121 and 30122) strictly prohibits making political contributions in the name of another person, as well as contributions by foreign nationals."
"The reports also raise concerns that such 'straw donations' are being made through 'dummy' accounts, potentially using gift cards or prepaid credit cards to evade detection."
"A recent House of Representatives investigation revealed that a platform named ActBlue had in recent years detected at least 22 'significant fraud campaigns', nearly half of which had a foreign nexus."
"These activities undermine the integrity of our electoral process."
"I direct the Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to use all lawful authority, as necessary, to investigate allegations regarding the unlawful use of online fundraising platforms."
"I further direct the Attorney General to report back to me through the Counsel to the President within 180 days of the date of this memorandum on the results of the investigation."
"This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person."
"DONALD J. TRUMP"
