Democrats amp up Trump investigation threats, Blanche counters he may probe lawmakers
Democrats have vowed to investigate both President Donald Trump's White House and businesses that have worked with the administration.
Key points
- Democrats won at least 54 Senate seats and 254 House seats in Tuesday's midterm elections.
- Democrats plan to investigate the Trump White House and businesses tied to the Trump family.
- Attorney General Todd Blanche said the administration could counterinvestigate Democratic lawmakers.
Democrats are preparing to expand oversight of the Trump administration and the businesses it has worked with after winning majorities in both chambers of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections. With votes still being counted in several states, Democrats hold at least 54 Senate seats and 254 House seats, giving them committee gavels and subpoena power in January.
Attorney General Todd Blanche responded by warning that he could open investigations into lawmakers conducting the probes. CNBC reported Thursday that Democrats are expected to take an aggressive approach to businesses with ties to the Trump family, with the technology, cryptocurrency and prediction market industries among those potentially in the crosshairs.
Warren vows serious investigations
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the incoming chair of the Senate Banking Committee, said on CBS' "Face the Nation" that companies profiting by cheating American families and scamming investors should expect serious investigations. She added that "The American people are just damn sick of this."
Rep. Robert Garcia, the likely incoming chair of the House Oversight Committee, warned the administration and business leaders to "lawyer up" after the election.
He's trying to stop us from doing real oversight
— Rep. Robert Garcia
Blanche threatens counterinvestigations
Blanche, Trump's former personal attorney who was narrowly confirmed as attorney general earlier this year, said on CNN's "State of the Union" that there "could be" counterinvestigations of Democrats. He cited comments by Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan at a University of Chicago event, where she said she wants young people to weigh the problems of working for the Trump administration as a deterrent. Trump has ordered the Justice Department to investigate Democrats over those comments.
Blanche also appeared to caution lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee, saying he would be very worried if he were a member. Garcia responded on CNN that Blanche's actions are a threat aimed at stopping real oversight, and that the Constitution gives Congress the job of overseeing the executive branch.
