Democrats are preparing a broad slate of investigations into President Donald Trump’s administration and business dealings if they gain control of the House or Senate in the November 3 midterm elections. Their proposed inquiries include the Trump family’s business interests, the Justice Department’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein records and decisions by federal agencies.
A Democratic majority would give the party control of congressional committees and greater capacity to hold hearings and issue subpoenas. The plans remain contingent on the election outcome; the investigations described by lawmakers have not all been formally launched. The Associated Press also reported that Democrats are preparing oversight of the administration if they win one or both chambers.
Business interests and Epstein records in focus
Representative Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, has identified the Trump family’s business activity as a priority. Democrats have sought information about Jared Kushner’s private equity firm and his role as an informal foreign policy adviser, and have called for scrutiny of the family’s investments in cryptocurrency and possible foreign influence.
Garcia has also pursued records related to the family’s digital assets, according to the House Oversight Committee’s Democratic members. These inquiries concern allegations and potential conflicts that lawmakers want examined; they are not findings of wrongdoing.
Another proposed inquiry would examine whether the Justice Department withheld or improperly redacted material covered by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Senate Democrats established a working group in February to review information about the files that has not been made public.
Democrats have also signaled interest in federal contracts, presidential pardons and administration projects. Some lawmakers have argued that investigations should address potential conflicts while also focusing on voters’ concerns about prices and household costs.
Party leaders have indicated they do not want a third impeachment effort to dominate Congress. Instead, they may target the conduct of individual officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. White House lawyers have reportedly prepared administration officials for document requests and subpoenas, while Democrats say they could seek information from private institutions if agencies do not cooperate.
Reid Bentley