Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — House Democrats are preparing a comprehensive oversight agenda that includes investigations into President Donald Trump, his family, and his administration if they gain control of the chamber from Republicans in the upcoming November elections.
The initiative involves several House committees and aims to utilize the majority's enhanced budgets and staff to investigate, subpoena, and address what Democrats describe as widespread corruption and abuses of power. Impeachment of the president and Cabinet officials remains a possibility.
Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York stated, "There is a cost to the American people of the out-of-control corruption," emphasizing accountability for those who have allegedly misappropriated public funds.
Congress has significant authority to oversee the executive branch, and Democrats have already begun laying the groundwork for investigations through letters to the administration and court filings.
Democrats are examining the financial activities of Trump and his family, particularly their wealth increase since January 2025. Investigations also include potential civil rights violations related to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, the closure of the Kennedy Center, private funding for the America at 250 celebrations, and the shutdown of federal operations like the U.S. Agency for International Development.
New inquiries have arisen, including the Trump family's acknowledgment that a wedding party for Donald Trump Jr. was partially funded by a Russian oligarch with ties to the Kremlin.
Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., who may lead the Judiciary Committee, described the issues as "gargantuan," stating the need to address systemic corruption that has cost the public significantly.
Jeffries is expected to face pressure from progressive members to expedite impeachment proceedings against Trump, who was previously impeached twice by the House but acquitted by the Senate.
The feasibility of a third impeachment may be diminished, with Democrats likely to focus on Cabinet members instead. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is already facing impeachment articles from Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky.
Jeffries remarked, "We haven't ruled anything out, and we haven't ruled anything in" regarding Congress's available tools.
The White House may resist these investigations, potentially ignoring subpoenas or withholding requested documents. Democrats are also looking into corporate and business entities for possible misconduct.
Democratic lawmakers poised to lead committees are outlining their investigative priorities. Rep. Robert Garcia of California, a leading Democrat on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, has identified five areas of focus, including Trump family business dealings and the administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, plans to investigate Trump's international dealings, including actions related to the Iran war and U.S. operations in Venezuela.
Rep. Jared Huffman of California, ranking Democrat at the Natural Resources Committee, is examining Trump's projects, including the demolition of the White House's East wing and the Trump family's involvement in mineral deals. He stated that if Democrats gain control, they will call witnesses and pursue evidence-based inquiries.
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Left: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) speaks during a press conference with House Democrats on affordability on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 16, 2026. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Reuters
By Kevin Freking, Jonathan J. Cooper, Associated Press
Lisa Mascaro, Associated Press