Democrats plan probes of Trump administration if they win Congress in November midterms

Centre · 1Democrats in Congress are already planning how they would use their power if they win a majority in the House or Senate in the midterm elections on 3 November, according to BBC News. 1 Centre · 1Control of a chamber would give the party subpoena power and funding to launch investigations early next year; the BBC reports that staffers have begun assembling lists of possible investigations and witnesses, according to people familiar with the discussions. 1 Right · 1The Washington Examiner similarly reports that Democrats are "already planning a long list of their targets" and that scrutiny would extend beyond the executive branch into the business community, including oil and gas, tech, healthcare and defence. 2

Mixed · 2Both outlets say the Trump family's business dealings are a likely target. The BBC lists ties to cryptocurrency firms, Jared Kushner's international business dealings, the $400m aircraft gifted by Qatar to serve as Air Force One, and defence contracts to firms linked to the family. Virginia Democratic Representative Suhas Subramanyam, an Oversight Committee member, said taxpayer money should not be "stolen or pocketed because of corruption". 1 2 Right · 1The Washington Examiner adds that Democrats are expected to push legislation curtailing stock trading by government officials. 2 Mixed · 2Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and the war with Iran, which began in February, feature in both accounts. The BBC says Democrats have vowed to examine civilian casualties, munitions shortfalls, spending and troop readiness, and notes that House Democrats filed articles of impeachment against Hegseth in April. The Examiner says an impeachment vote on Hegseth is expected in the lame-duck session, that Rep. Jason Crow called ousting him "priority No. 1", and that a Senate conviction needing 67 votes is unlikely. 1 2

Centre · 1The Pentagon defended Hegseth: press secretary Kingsley Wilson called him a "transformative leader". Richard Painter, a former chief White House ethics lawyer under George W Bush, told the BBC the war was never authorised by Congress and lawmakers should "haul these folks in". 1 Right · 1The Examiner also names Iran war negotiators Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner and Vice President JD Vance as likely subjects of scrutiny, and says Democrats will try to end the war although foreign policy is set by the executive branch. 2 Mixed · 2Immigration enforcement is another area. The BBC says Robert Garcia, tapped to lead the House Oversight Committee if Democrats win the House, has made it a priority, possibly examining alleged misconduct by ICE agents, but that it is politically tricky because Democrats must avoid appearing to dismiss broader immigration concerns. The Examiner says Democrats are split on abolishing or reforming ICE and would likely target Stephen Miller and Tom Homan. 1 2

Mixed · 2Both outlets report that Democrats are divided over impeaching Trump a third time. The BBC says Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has backed it, citing the Iran war, while others fear it would fail in the Senate and say it is unclear whether the party could agree on grounds. 1 2 Right · 1The Examiner lists further potential targets: Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency, the Epstein files, Attorney General Todd Blanche, FBI Director Kash Patel, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., housing director Bill Pulte, tariffs, the departure of Treasury official Kenneth Kies, and the ousters of Kristi Noem, Corey Lewandowski and Kimberly Guilfoyle, who denied wrongdoing. It also covers Democratic plans to undo the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and objections to Trump's ballroom, golf course renovation and proposed arch. 2 Mixed · 2The White House rejects the premise. Spokesperson Olivia Wales said Democrats "have no agenda to improve the lives of the American people, just plans to obstruct and baselessly target" Trump, and another official said the administration is "always prepared" to respond to oversight requests. House Oversight Chairman James Comer, a Republican, has called Democrats "one-trick ponies". The Examiner expects the administration to fight oversight "at every step", with some disputes ending up in court. 1 2

Centre · 1Outcomes are uncertain. The BBC notes that Democratic success is "by no means guaranteed" and that investigations may not produce a meaningful result, though Subramanyam argued that failing to act out of fear of optics or stonewalling would be worse. An American University expert, David Miller, suggested hearings could lead Trump to drop embattled officials. 1