NEW YORK (AP) — As President Donald Trump stretches the limits of executive power, key institutions within the Democratic Party are bracing for potential criminal investigations by the federal government. The Democrats' primary national fundraising platform, ActBlue, alongside the largest protest group, Indivisible, are coordinating with their legal teams to prepare for such scenarios, amidst calls from Trump’s allies for the prosecution of these groups.
Democratic organizations, cautious of offending Trump, have opted to remain anonymous while discussing their concerns about potential legal repercussions. Ezra Reese, political law chair at Elias Law Group, emphasized the heightened anxiety among clients about being arbitrarily targeted by the Trump administration, stating, "We are going to great lengths to help clients prepare for or defend themselves." The Justice Department, when approached for comment regarding investigations into ActBlue and Indivisible, did not provide a response. However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged the potential for investigations, suggesting those without wrongdoing should have no fear of scrutiny.
Rather than pulling back from discussions of retaliation, several prominent Republicans are openly supporting the idea. Those close to Trump justify their desire for vengeance against Democrats, referencing the four criminal prosecutions against him, which include multiple felony convictions in New York. Notably, there is no evidence implicating former President Joe Biden in these prosecutions. Republican figures, like Matt Schlapp, president of the American Conservative Union, have remarked that accountability is necessary to prevent future misconduct. “Someone needs to get burned for all this activity or they’re just gonna do it again,” Schlapp stated.
Trump has unabashedly expressed intentions to utilize federal power against political opponents. In a recent address at the Department of Justice, he characterized himself as the nation’s “chief law enforcement officer.” He has also signed an executive order directing the Justice Department to investigate Miles Taylor, a former Department of Homeland Security official who authored a critical book about Trump's presidency, claiming that Taylor's actions may constitute treason.
Indivisible, which has been instrumental in Democratic opposition since Trump’s election, has faced significant scrutiny. The group's leadership regularly communicates with local activists and has facilitated over 1,000 protests throughout the U.S. this year alone. Their organizing efforts recently included the Hands Off! protests, which attracted hundreds of thousands of participants. Responding to attacks from Trump adviser and billionaire Elon Musk, who labeled Indivisible as "criminals," the organization's co-founder Ezra Levin stressed the necessity of unified action against potential threats from the Trump administration.
Musk’s criticism of Indivisible was tied to a rise in vandalism against Tesla properties, although Indivisible's guide for protests emphasizes peaceful assembly. While no formal charges have been made against the group or its leaders, Levin expressed the importance of being proactive in the face of possible legal actions against them. He articulated that remaining silent could lead to increased targeting, contrasting this with the need for collective opposition against anti-democratic threats.
Amid these tensions, ActBlue faces allegations from Musk and various Republican members of Congress who claim it has violated campaign finance laws. Allegations include allowing foreign nationals to make illegal contributions to Democratic candidates. ActBlue has stated its commitment to cooperating with congressional investigations led by House Republicans, with plans for further document submissions and staff testimonies scheduled for later this month.
Multiple House Republicans have encouraged investigations into ActBlue, including Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., who has raised concerns about the nonprofit’s financial transactions purportedly linked to "terror-linked organizations." Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., has similarly called for investigations into the group's compliance with federal campaign finance laws. ActBlue has responded to the allegations by stating that they are prepared for various attacks on multiple fronts.
Importantly, ActBlue has become a critical funding mechanism for Democratic candidates, with donations surpassing $400 million within the first three months of the year, marking a historic milestone for the organization. With Democratic grassroots donors exhibiting strong engagement, ActBlue's representatives remain resolute, asserting that these unfounded attacks have strengthened their determination to facilitate Democratic victories.
The current political landscape highlights a pronounced struggle between Democratic groups and the Trump administration, entailing significant legal and financial implications as both sides brace for intensified confrontations.
