WASHINGTON – Democrats could launch four major investigations targeting US President Donald J Trump and his administration if they secure control of either chamber of Congress in the midterm elections.
The situation may trigger a fresh political confrontation with the White House.
A Democratic victory would give the party greater authority to summon government officials, obtain official documents and allocate funds for congressional investigations and oversight hearings.
Midterm elections traditionally pose political challenges for the party holding the presidency, often providing the opposition an opportunity to strengthen its position in Congress. If Democrats gain control of the House of Representatives or the Senate, their scrutiny of the Trump administration is expected to focus on four major areas.
Trump Family Businesses and Financial Affairs
The financial dealings and business interests of the Trump family are likely to be among the Democrats’ primary targets.
Potential investigations could examine the family’s business transactions, alleged connections between government officials and private enterprises, relationships with cryptocurrency companies and the international business activities of Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
The reported $400 million aircraft offered to Trump by Qatar and defence contracts involving companies linked to the Trump family could also come under congressional scrutiny.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon
The Pentagon’s handling of the war with Iran could become another major focus of congressional investigations.
Democrats may examine civilian casualties, military spending, possible shortages of weapons and the preparedness of US troops. American military operations in the Caribbean Sea could also face scrutiny.
Democrats have already introduced an impeachment resolution against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. However, removing him through impeachment would require a simple majority in the House and a two-thirds majority in the Senate.
Political analysts believe that congressional investigations and public hearings could create enough pressure to force Hegseth’s dismissal or resignation.
Immigration enforcement operations
The third potential investigation could focus on the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration and the conduct of immigration authorities.
Democrats may investigate allegations of misconduct, abuse of authority and mistreatment by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers during raids and enforcement operations across the country.
The investigations could also examine the administration’s immigration policies and the methods used to implement them.
Trump’s third impeachment
Another possibility is a fresh impeachment effort against Trump. Some Democratic lawmakers support pursuing his third impeachment over the decision to launch military action against Iran without congressional authorisation and other controversial measures.
However, other party members favour a more cautious approach, given the limited prospects of securing the two-thirds Senate majority required for conviction.
Some Democrats argue that launching investigations would itself send a strong political message, with consequences potentially extending well beyond Trump’s current presidency.
If Democrats regain control of Congress, the investigations could intensify political pressure on the White House and significantly influence the remainder of Trump’s term.
