UMVA has learned that a scathing rebuke from Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala., has shaken the Republican-led investigation into a prominent Democratic fundraising apparatus, with Sewell characterizing the probe as a blatant example of GOP retribution against Black women in power.
Sewell's forceful criticism comes as Republican lawmakers intensify their scrutiny of ActBlue, a leading Democratic fundraising organization, and its CEO, Regina Wallace-Jones, over allegations of potentially accepting illicit donations. The investigation has sparked a heated battle between the parties, with Sewell accusing Republicans of harassment and intimidation.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the probe centers on whether ActBlue knowingly misled lawmakers and dodged subpoenas to conceal weaknesses in its screening process for overseas donations. The review has been fueled by a request from President Donald Trump to investigate the group, with the White House citing evidence that foreign nationals may be misusing online fundraising platforms to influence American elections.
Wallace-Jones has vehemently defended ActBlue's practices, asserting that the organization employs a multilayered approach to verify donors and donor information. The organization requires Card Verification Values for credit card donations, uses IP addresses to identify foreign-sourced contributions, and applies an industry-standard Address Verification System.
Sewell, however, remains unconvinced, pointing to a pattern of harassment and intimidation by the Trump administration against Black women who have challenged the president. She cited examples of similar investigations into Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Lisa Cook, New York Attorney General Tish James, and Congresswoman LaMonica McIver.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Sewell believes the investigation into ActBlue and Wallace-Jones is tainted by a broader GOP agenda to silence and intimidate Black women in power. The Democratic lawmaker accused Republicans of using their power to harass and victimize communities of color, especially Black Americans.
The confrontation has set the stage for a contentious showdown between the parties, with Sewell and other Democrats vowing to push back against what they see as a baseless and politically motivated investigation. As the probe continues, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the battle for control is on.
