White House Warns Democrats: Investigating Trump Administration May Be a Crime

The White House issued a warning to Democratic Representative Robert Garcia, who is preparing to chair the House Oversight Committee, stating that investigations targeting President Donald Trump's administration could be considered criminal acts warranting their own investigation.

In a letter sent to Garcia on Monday, White House Counsel Will Scharf said the administration "is monitoring the arbitrary and random threats currently proliferating from Democratic lawmakers," adding that threats directed at officials may be classified as criminal acts, according to Reuters.

The letter stated that "threats directed at executive branch officials to deter them from performing public service, or actions aimed exclusively at harassment or instilling fear, may cross the line into explicit crimes. Furthermore, issuing illegal subpoenas with the intent to deprive citizens of their constitutional rights and privileges may necessitate further investigations."

After Republicans lost their majority in both the House and Senate in a harsh defeat during last week's midterm elections, Democrats will take control of Congress in January during the final two years of Donald Trump's presidency. Party leaders have promised to investigate and hold accountable the president, his family, aides, and advisors for their actions.

The letter noted that members of the new Congress have shown a "clear intent to exceed" the boundaries set by the Constitution for congressional investigations and subpoenas.

The letter referenced multiple comments made by legislators, including a statement by a Democratic representative that subpoenas would be handed out "like candy," and a post on the X platform published by Garcia on election night saying "get lawyers."

Scharf wrote that these comments "clearly demonstrate that any future investigative actions will be used for harassment and showmanship, rather than to achieve any legitimate legislative purpose."

Responding to Scharf's letter on Wednesday, Garcia said the committee would continue its work despite threats from the administration.

He added in a statement posted on the House Oversight Committee Democrats' account on X, "It seems Donald Trump has something to hide... The Trump administration continues to weaponize the government with threats of unconstitutional attacks on Congress. We are a co-equal branch of government. We will not be deterred by baseless threats..."

Trump had ordered the US Department of Justice on Saturday to investigate Democrats for "threatening many people" through impeachment efforts and other forms of punishment, stating in a social media post that their actions amounted to a "criminal act," without providing any evidence.