What Do Democrats Have in Store for Trump If They Take Control of the House?

Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives are preparing to use investigative powers if they reclaim a majority in November’s midterm elections, with a regulatory agenda targeting President Donald Trump, his administration, and members of his family—from his growing wealth during office to reshaping the federal government and pursuing political opponents, according to The Washington Post.

The newspaper spoke with about 12 Democratic lawmakers and staff members expected to lead committees if the party regains control, who said they are preparing for broad investigations, while staff have been contacting outside groups for guidance on conducting effective inquiries.

Representative Robert Garcia, a California Democrat running to chair the Oversight Committee, said "The scale of what is described as corruption and illicit gains requires full participation by all House Democrats." In contrast, Democrats who participated in investigations during Trump’s first term warned against overpromising as the White House prepares to obstruct probes.

Wealth of the Trump Family

Democrats plan to investigate how Trump and his family increased their wealth during his presidency. Garcia’s committee is tracking the family’s profits from cryptocurrencies and foreign deals, estimating Trump received $2.25 billion in foreign payments during the first year of his second term.

Representative Jamie Raskin also requested information about investments in two firms—"1789 Capital" and "American Ventures"—linked to Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, to examine companies in which the president’s sons invested and received government contracts or benefited from administration policies.

Other files include Trump’s settlement with the IRS that shields his family and businesses from future audits, the "Truth Social" platform, and Jared Kushner’s business activities.

Privileges for Trump Supporters

Democrats aim to investigate pardons granted to individuals convicted of fraud who donated to Trump campaigns or were affiliated with his political circle, including Joseph Schwarzschild, an executive at a senior care facility, who spent nearly $1 million lobbying for a pardon after being convicted of defrauding the government of $38 million; Trump granted him the pardon seven months after the conviction.

Democrats also target mining and energy deals. Representative Jared Huffman said "A $1.2 billion settlement with a German energy company to abandon offshore wind projects, with most funds reinvested into a liquefied natural gas project in Louisiana owned by a Trump donor, represents misuse of taxpayer money."

Investigations also include blanket pardons for participants in the January 6, 2021 Capitol events, and efforts to reopen a stalled oil pipeline in Southern California that has been inactive for over a decade.

Trump Projects and Immigration

The agenda also includes probing the renovation of Washington’s reflection pool, Trump’s control over the Kennedy Center, and the White House celebration hall, which began construction without prior approval.

In immigration, Democrats plan to examine allegations of misconduct by immigration enforcement officers, the detention of lawful residents and citizens, rising deaths in detention centers, deployment of the National Guard in liberal cities, and management of spending and contracts under former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Reorganizing Government

Democrats seek to investigate the dismantling of federal agencies, including USAID and the Department of Education, mass firings carried out by the "Dogs" agency, reductions in childhood vaccination schedules, and unauthorized withholding of congressional funds.

Representative Jim Himes said "The investigations could include intelligence officials fired for defying the president, such as those who produced assessments on deporting alleged members of a Venezuelan gang," and a report concluding limited damage from U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites last year, as he put it.

Targeting Opponents and Institutional Pressure

Democrats intend to probe what they view as politically motivated prosecutions, including cases involving James Comey, Letitia James, and Democratic members who released a video about military personnel’s right to refuse unlawful orders.

They also want to examine pressure exerted by Trump on law firms, universities, and corporations, including ending diversity programs, removing Apple and Google apps that track immigration enforcement, and allegations that David Ellison influenced CBS coverage to secure a Paramount deal.

Foreign Policy and Epstein

According to The Washington Post, Democrats are targeting the roles of Steve Wynn and Jared Kushner in negotiations with Iran, Israel, Russia, and Ukraine, focusing on the use of private-sector citizens and potential conflicts of interest.

Democrats also plan new hearings on Jeffrey Epstein’s files after Trump reneged on his promise to release documents last year. Trump had a friendship with Epstein that ended in the early 2000s, and authorities have not accused Trump of involvement in Epstein’s crimes.

Legal Obstacles

The White House is seeking to shield the administration from oversight, having briefed political appointees on how to prepare for investigations. The Justice Department has argued that Trump’s personal advisers can invoke executive privilege to refuse testimony, and that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional.

Democrats have warned against raising voter expectations, especially with some calling for Trump’s immediate removal upon regaining majority control.

Himes said: "We’ve been in a weak position; it felt like we failed to achieve our goals. That’s one reason Americans believe Democrats are weak today."