The co-founder of ActBlue, the Democratic Party’s major online fundraising platform, invoked his Fifth Amendment rights during a closed-door congressional deposition Thursday morning. The session concluded in less than 30 minutes after Matt DeBergalis refused to answer questions regarding the platform’s handling of alleged fraudulent and foreign donations.

DeBergalis faced inquiries from members and staff of three House committees: Judiciary, Administration, and Oversight. These panels are examining whether ActBlue took sufficient steps to prevent fraudulent contributions, including those potentially originating from prohibited foreign sources.

ActBlue has maintained that it operates robust safeguards against fraud and foreign contributions, asserting the Republican-led investigation is politically motivated. The organization states it implemented enhanced security measures in 2025 and requires donors living abroad to be physically present in the United States when making contributions.

This deposition follows a pattern of refusal by senior ActBlue officials. Former CEO Regina Wallace-Jones previously invoked the Fifth Amendment during a public House hearing in June, adding to an ongoing inquiry that began earlier this year.

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan has cited an internal estimate from ActBlue’s board chairman indicating that as much as $38 million in 2024 contributions showed indicators of foreign origin. While this figure remains under investigation, it has fueled congressional scrutiny of the platform’s compliance measures.

An April report by the House Committee on Administration revealed that five current or former ActBlue employees invoked the Fifth Amendment 146 times during earlier depositions. The committee also noted a complete exodus from the organization’s legal and compliance team by March 2025, with all members gone, fired, or on extended leave.

Investigators have alleged that ActBlue relaxed fraud-screening protocols during the 2024 election cycle despite internal concerns and did not require donors to provide credit card verification values (CVV) for contributions.

ActBlue has consistently denied wrongdoing but faces intensified scrutiny as the investigation continues with three House committees and the Justice Department seeking records and testimony. The rapid invocation of the Fifth Amendment by DeBergalis in a session that ended within minutes has raised questions about the organization’s willingness to explain its actions under congressional inquiry.