Democrats prepare to investigate Trump administration as they take control of Congress

“Get lawyers.” That is the advice California Democrat Robert García gave on X. He is likely to become chairman of the powerful House investigative committee in January.

It is no secret that the Democrats want to investigate the White House. Congressional candidates have promised to scrutinize policy decisions, the presidential family’s ties to certain companies and gifts Trump has received, such as the luxury plane from Qatar.

Becoming a counterforce

Now that it is clear the Democrats will take over from the Republicans in both the House of Representatives and the Senate when the next Congress convenes in January, this is expected to become a reality. The Democrats can also block legislation, review and block judicial and ministerial appointments, and bring impeachment charges.

This means President Trump will have great difficulty implementing his policies, says Dag Blanck, professor of North American studies at Uppsala University.

He will face strong opposition in Congress, which will resume its role in the American system: acting as a counterforce to the presidency.

Veto?

However, Republican Trump often bypasses lawmakers by issuing executive orders. He has hinted that he will “veto everything” the Democrats propose.

But legislation can be an effective political tool for the Democrats even if Trump vetoes it. Bianco, who normally works at Indiana University but is now a visiting professor at the Swedish Institute for North American Studies at Uppsala University, believes the Democrats will use it to “see” Trump and force him to show his true colors.

For example, I think they will pass legislation prohibiting politicians from trading stocks. Then Trump will have to decide whether to veto it, which could look bad for the Republicans.

Future congressional investigations are also expected to target cabinet members.

I think they will focus a lot on Defense Secretary (Pete) Hegseth and perhaps also Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr., says Dag Blanck.

If the investigations lead Trump to view his ministers as liabilities, he can fire them, he adds.

However, the Democrats face a delicate balancing act. Opinion polls suggest voters want them to act quickly to bring down high food and fuel prices - and not to get too caught up in political vendettas or impeachment proceedings.