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The new Congress must hold Trump accountable | Claire Finkelstein
The article argues that Democrats’ victories in both houses of Congress give them a chance to scrutinise Donald Trump’s actions and reinforce Congress’s role as a check on the presidency. It says that sustained investigations, including a possible impeachment inquiry, may achieve more than pursuing legislation that could be blocked by political divisions, a Senate filibuster or presidential vetoes.
The author points to two earlier impeachments as lessons: key witnesses were not compelled to testify in the first, while the Senate called none in the second. She argues that Congress should pursue subpoenas and their enforcement even if doing so takes time, to improve transparency and secure accountability. The article cites polling in which 53% of respondents said they believed Trump was corrupt, alongside voter concern about prices and the economy.
In short
- Democrats won both houses in the midterms.
- The author urges sustained investigations into Trump’s administration.
- Enforcing subpoenas could strengthen Congress’s oversight role.
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The case for
Supporters of vigorous congressional scrutiny argue that investigations, enforced subpoenas and, if warranted, an impeachment inquiry are essential checks on presidential power. Earlier impeachments left important testimony unheard, so pursuing evidence could improve transparency and accountability even if the process is lengthy; with legislation likely to face institutional obstacles, oversight may be Congress’s most effective response.
The case against
Those urging restraint could argue that Congress should prioritise voters’ immediate concerns, such as prices and the economy, and pursue practical legislation where possible. Prolonged investigations or impeachment efforts may deepen partisan conflict, consume time and public attention, and achieve little if witnesses or the Senate do not co-operate; scrutiny should therefore be focused on clear evidence and pursued without displacing other congressional duties.
Explained simply
Congress is one of the branches of the US federal government, alongside the presidency and the courts. It makes laws and can investigate how the government is run, helping to limit the president’s power.
Donald Trump was impeached twice during his first presidency, but the Senate did not remove him from office. The earlier proceedings drew criticism over whether important witnesses had been required to give evidence.
Congressional investigations can use subpoenas to require people to provide testimony or documents, though enforcing them can take time. The debate matters because investigations may clarify allegations about a president’s conduct, while Congress can also face political divisions that make passing laws difficult.
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