Trump and his Justice Department stand defiant as Democrats ready an investigative blitz

After Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the midterms, President Donald Trump and Attorney General Todd Blanche adopted a combative stance, warning that Democratic investigations could prompt criminal inquiries. Democrats say they intend to scrutinise the administration, setting up a clash over Congress’s ability to check presidential power during Trump’s remaining two years in office.

Robert Garcia, expected to lead the House Oversight Committee, has pledged investigations, while Democratic leaders say impeachment could be considered if evidence warrants it. About seven in 10 voters surveyed said Congress was not doing enough to check the presidency. Some Democrats, including Bernie Sanders and incoming Kansas senator Adam Hamilton, have urged their party to prioritise lowering living costs and avoid allowing investigations to dominate its agenda.