Trump Eyes Legal Action Against Democratic Activist Groups/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Core Democratic groups like ActBlue and Indivisible are preparing for possible legal action under the Trump administration, as allies of the president call for investigations. Trump officials haven’t denied potential probes and suggest criminal accountability for political opponents. Legal experts and party leaders are mobilizing defense strategies amid rising fears of political retribution.
Democratic Groups Brace for Legal Threats Under Trump – Quick Looks
- ActBlue and Indivisible Lawyer Up: Both groups preparing for federal probes
- White House Message: “If you’ve broken the law, be worried”
- Legal Experts on Alert: Democratic-aligned lawyers preparing clients for investigations
- Trump’s DOJ Tactics: President calls himself “chief law enforcement officer”
- Musk Targets Indivisible: Calls protest leaders “criminals” amid Tesla-related unrest
- ActBlue Under Fire: Republicans claim foreign funds, illegal processing
- Congressional Pressure Mounts: House GOP demands investigations, documents, and testimony
- Dem Fundraising Soars: $400M raised via ActBlue in Q1 2025
Trump Eyes Legal Action Against Democratic Activist Groups
Deep Look
NEW YORK — President Donald Trump’s expanding use of executive power is sending shockwaves through the Democratic Party’s infrastructure, as key liberal organizations brace for potential criminal investigations driven by the White House and its allies.
Among those on high alert: ActBlue, the Democrats’ primary fundraising platform, and Indivisible, one of the most prominent protest networks in progressive politics. Both organizations have engaged attorneys and begun internal preparations for what they fear could soon be politically motivated federal investigations.
“Every one of our clients is concerned,” said Ezra Reese, political law chair at Elias Law Group, which represents numerous Democratic causes. “We are going to great lengths to help clients prepare for or defend themselves.”
Federal Focus and White House Messaging
“If you’ve broken the law… you should be worried.”
This rhetoric aligns with a broader tone from the Trump administration and its Republican allies, who argue they are justified in seeking “justice” in response to Trump’s criminal indictments—despite no evidence tying former President Joe Biden to those cases.
“Someone needs to get burned… and that’s not hypocrisy, that’s justice,” said Matt Schlapp, head of the American Conservative Union.
Indivisible Under Fire
Indivisible, which helped organize over 1,000 protests nationwide this year, including the recent Hands Off! movement, is now a focus of hostility from Trump adviser Elon Musk, who called its members “criminals” in reference to property damage at Tesla dealerships.
While the group’s official protest guides call for peaceful action, Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin said they are preparing for both state and non-state retaliation.
“We can be quiet and hope they won’t target us,” Levin said, “or we can work as a mass opposition.”
ActBlue Faces Multiple Accusations
Republicans have been more explicit about ActBlue, which processed over $400 million in Q1 2025. GOP lawmakers, including Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), have formally asked the FBI and Treasury Department to investigate alleged illegal foreign contributions and payments to “terror-linked” organizations—allegations that remain unproven.
“These allegations… indicate a serious threat to the integrity of our elections,” Biggs wrote.
ActBlue insists it is complying with congressional inquiries and preparing for further challenges.
“These unfounded attacks haven’t shaken us — they’ve sharpened our resolve,” said spokesperson Megan Hughes.
Retaliation as Policy?
Trump’s ambitions for government power have become increasingly explicit. He referred to himself as “chief law enforcement officer” in a recent speech at the DOJ and signed an executive order demanding the prosecution of Miles Taylor, a former DHS official critical of his administration, calling it a potential “treason” case.
Treason can carry the death penalty, highlighting the extreme rhetoric now emanating from Trump’s camp.
Democratic Party on Edge
While much of the Democratic establishment remains silent publicly, behind the scenes, lawyers, strategists, and organization heads are drawing up plans for legal defense, messaging coordination, and public mobilization in anticipation of future crackdowns.
“This is not a drill,” said one Democratic strategist anonymously. “We are actively preparing for an assault on civil society.”
“If you’re not willing to take a stand in a moment like this, why are you in politics?”
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