Democrats plan broad oversight of Trump administration

Democrats are preparing investigations into President Donald Trump’s administration, his family’s business interests and the U.S.-Iran war after winning control of both chambers of Congress. Major legislation appears unlikely with Trump in the White House, but the election gives Democrats broad power to conduct oversight.

A House majority can demand records, compel testimony and hold hearings. Republicans can no longer pass bills through the chamber without Democratic support. In the Senate, Democrats can block or delay many presidential appointments and press the White House to negotiate over legislation.

Rep. Robert Garcia of California, who is expected to chair the House Oversight Committee, signaled his approach in a statement: “LAWYER UP.” The Guardian reported that Garcia has ranked Trump family corruption first among his priorities. Democrats also plan to examine the president’s interests in Truth Social, cryptocurrency projects and overseas ventures involving his sons, according to NPR. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland has requested information about business dealings involving Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr. and son-in-law Jared Kushner, The Guardian reported.

The administration’s handling of records concerning Jeffrey Epstein is another target. Bipartisan congressional action forced the release of extensive documents tied to the late convicted sex offender. Democrats say some records were improperly withheld or redacted and accuse the Justice Department of shielding Trump from damaging allegations. Department leaders deny that accusation.

The Guardian reported that the department released about 3.5 million of the 6 million pages it held, saying it considered the remainder duplicates. Lawmakers in both parties have raised concerns about heavy redactions and the disclosure of victims’ names. Democrats also expect to examine Epstein’s ties to powerful figures, including Trump. The president has long denied wrongdoing related to Epstein and maintains that their relationship ended before Epstein was indicted for soliciting prostitution in 2016.

On immigration, Democrats plan hearings on alleged misconduct and violence involving federal agents. NPR reported that they documented hundreds of alleged incidents while in the minority. Their scrutiny will also cover public health, with a focus on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., according to NPR.

The U.S.-Iran war will bring questions about its cost and Congress’s authority over the use of military force. Democrats plan to press Pentagon officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, on spending. NPR reported that more votes seeking to end the conflict are expected, though previous war powers votes have largely been symbolic. According to The Guardian, Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado also wants to examine reports of defense money going to companies linked to the Trump family.

Other potential inquiries include federal funding for Elon Musk’s businesses, his Department of Government Efficiency initiative and White House construction and renovation projects, NPR reported. Those projects are part of a broader dispute over spending: NPR reported that the White House has disregarded congressional directives and rescinded billions of dollars in spending approved by Congress.

Impeachment remains a possibility, not an announced plan. The Guardian reported that House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has ruled nothing out, while Republican leader Steve Scalise predicts an attempt on “Day 1.” Trump was impeached once during his first term and again in 2021. The Senate acquitted him both times.