Fact Check: "BLM donations went to democrats in 2020"
What We Know
The claim that donations made to Black Lives Matter (BLM) during 2020 went directly to Democratic candidates is misleading. The BLM organization utilizes ActBlue, a fundraising platform that primarily supports Democratic causes, to process its donations. However, according to the Associated Press, donations made through the BLM website are earmarked specifically for BLM and do not automatically funnel into Democratic Party campaigns. ActBlue itself confirmed that donations are directed to the specified organization, not to political candidates unless explicitly stated by the donor.
During the surge of donations following the protests in 2020, ActBlue processed over $60 million in contributions, with a significant portion going to various charitable causes and organizations, including BLM (New York Times). While ActBlue is known for its association with Democratic fundraising, it does not mean that all donations made through it are directed to the Democratic National Committee (DNC). The DNC clarified that it only receives funds if donations are explicitly made to them through ActBlue (FactCheck.org).
Analysis
The assertion that BLM donations went to Democrats relies heavily on the connection between BLM and ActBlue. While it is true that ActBlue is a platform favored by Democratic candidates, the claim fails to recognize the specific purpose of the donations made through the BLM website. As noted by the Center for Responsive Politics, donations to BLM are intended for the organization itself, which aims to address issues like state-sanctioned violence and systemic racism.
Moreover, the narrative that BLM donations are a means of funding the Democratic Party has been debunked by multiple sources, including the AP and CBS8. These outlets emphasize that the funds raised are directed to BLM's initiatives rather than being funneled into political campaigns. The spread of this misinformation has been amplified by social media, often without proper context or verification, leading to a misunderstanding of how the fundraising process works.
The reliability of the sources debunking this claim is strong, as they include established news organizations and fact-checking entities. The AP and FactCheck.org are reputable sources known for their commitment to factual reporting and thorough investigations.
Conclusion
The claim that "BLM donations went to democrats in 2020" is False. While BLM does use ActBlue for processing donations, these funds are specifically allocated to the organization and its causes, not to Democratic candidates or the DNC. The narrative suggesting otherwise misrepresents the donation process and fails to acknowledge the intended use of the funds.
Sources
- Protests Spur Surge in Donations, Giving ActBlue Its ...
- Black Lives Matter and Other Groups Flooded With Millions in Donations ...
- Link on Black Lives Matter website does not donate directly to DNC
- Donations to Black Lives Matter Group Don't Go to DNC
- Fact-check: Do donations to Black Lives Matter go to a 'Democrat Super PAC'?
- VERIFY: Do Black Lives Matter donations go to democratic campaigns?
- Black Lives Matter PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates
- Record cash floods Democrats, Black groups amid protests and ... - POLITICO