New House Leadership Targets Trump Finances and ICE Raids for Oversight
With Democrats holding majorities in both chambers, leaders plan to use subpoena powers to investigate presidential business deals and agency actions.
By Samuel Hayes ·
Democrats have gained control of both chambers of Congress following Tuesday's midterm elections. The new leadership plans to launch a wide-ranging investigation into the financial activities of President Donald Trump and his associates. Leaders intend to use the subpoena powers and expanded staff resources that accompany their majorities to examine these matters.
Hakeem Jeffries, who is set to become House speaker, has tasked Rep. Robert Garcia of California and Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland with leading the oversight effort. Garcia, the ranking Democrat on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, identified five specific priorities. These include Trump family business dealings, the administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Rep. Jared Huffman of California also plans to review the White House ballroom construction and the Trump family's role in mineral deals.
The Senate is preparing for parallel inquiries. Richard Blumenthal, who is expected to chair the Homeland Security Committee's investigation subcommittee, said his panel will examine Trump's real estate projects near Washington and his crypto dealings with special envoy Steve Witkoff. Blumenthal also requested hearings on ICE raids and the actions of the Department of Government Efficiency. Ron Wyden, the incoming Senate Finance Committee chairman, aims to question banks that he says ignored red flags regarding Epstein and pharmaceutical companies tied to the administration.
The AP Voter Poll surveyed more than 100,000 voters nationwide. About 3 in 10 respondents named the state of democracy as their top issue. Approximately half of all voters said government corruption was crucial to their choice for Congress. Among those who cited the state of democracy as their primary concern, about 8 in 10 supported the Democratic candidate, while about 2 in 10 backed the Republican.
President Trump has maintained a conciliatory tone since the election loss. White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis said the president is willing to work with anyone to deliver victories for Americans. She warned, however, that pursuing what she called sham investigations would mean working against the American people. Chuck Schumer, who will return as Senate majority leader, stated that Democrats intend to balance affordability legislation with probes into corruption.
Jeffries wrote to fellow Democrats that the days of the House functioning as a subsidiary of the Trump administration are over. He promised to target price gouging and push for a stock trading ban for lawmakers. Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont urged his colleagues to proceed with caution. He said investigations are important but that Democrats cannot turn the process into a vengeance tour.
The Congressional Integrity Project, an advocacy group, released a memo urging Democratic lawmakers to trace administration actions to specific individuals and corporations. The group's senior adviser, Jack Miller, stated that corruption is costing taxpayers and affecting everyday life. Democrats are scheduled to formally take their seats and begin committee work in the new session.
