How Democrats could snarl Trump administration stakes in private sector companies

The Trump administration’s investments in private companies have grown rapidly, reaching positions in 41 firms by November, according to a tracker by the CATO Institute. With Democrats set to take control of both chambers of Congress in January, the deals could face greater scrutiny as part of wider efforts to investigate alleged conflicts of interest and government corruption.

The government’s moves have included a $400 million stock deal with MP Materials and a 10% stake in Intel, alongside arrangements involving publicly and privately held companies. The tracker counts both completed deals and publicly announced agreements still being negotiated. An academic who studies investment policy said Democrats may seek stronger oversight to ensure the investments serve national security goals and do not favour political or family connections, rather than trying to unwind existing deals.