US President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to look into Democrats over what he said were threats of impeachment and other punishments following their midterm election victory.
In a Truth Social post on Saturday, Trump said the Democrats’ actions amounted to a “criminal act”, but he provided no evidence. The post came days after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress from Republicans in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Democrats’ planned probes and Trump’s claims
Democratic lawmakers and newly elected candidates have said they will pursue inquiries into the Trump family’s financial dealings, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Also read: Democrats Gain Ground in US Midterms as Trump Faces Setback
Trump wrote that “the Democrats are going around threatening a lot of people” and that some of his cabinet had been threatened with impeachment. He called it “extortion at the highest level” and said those responsible “should be held accountable for this.”
Trump also claimed, without evidence, that some Democrats were threatening his donors, whom he described as “some of the most respected people anywhere in the World”. He said they were being targeted for their political views and named Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, though he offered no evidence that she had threatened anyone over their views.
What Democrats can do once in control
When Democrats take control of Congress in January, they will be able to conduct a range of investigations. These include ordering access to documents, summoning Trump officials to testify and holding hearings.
Democratic Representative Robert Garcia of California, who is likely to chair the powerful House Oversight Committee, posted “LAWYER UP” on social media once it was clear Democrats would win the House.
During his second term, Trump has called for investigations into political enemies, including former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
