Democrats Plan Expanded Oversight After Winning House and Senate
Democrats won majorities in both the House and Senate in the 2026 midterm elections, and they plan to expand congressional oversight of the Trump administration in the new Congress. NPR reported that the new majorities give Democrats full investigatory powers, including the power to subpoena records, meaning to issue legal orders demanding documents, and to compel people to testify.
Rep. Robert Garcia, a California Democrat, is expected to become chair of the House Oversight Committee. In a statement about the planned investigations, Garcia said "LAWYER UP."
Democrats plan to make the Trump administration's handling of cases involving Jeffrey Epstein a priority. Epstein, a financier, was the subject of federal investigations into his crimes. NPR reported that bipartisan congressional action forced the administration to release extensive documents tied to those investigations. Democrats also plan to examine ties between Epstein and powerful figures, including President Trump. Trump has denied wrongdoing related to Epstein. He has maintained that his relationship with Epstein ended before Epstein was indicted for soliciting prostitution in 2016.
The planned investigations also include Elon Musk and the Iran war, according to NPR. Vice President J.D. Vance reportedly sent a letter to a senior Iranian official in Tehran aimed at reviving peace talks to end the war.
Reuters reported that Democrats planned to probe lucrative business deals involving Trump family members. Corporate donors to Trump's ballroom and other participants in those deals were identified as expected targets of the probes.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland is the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is the party's leader in the House. Democratic control of both chambers also gives the party the power to block Trump nominees.
France24 reported that Democrats were preparing to launch a flurry of investigations into the Trump administration and its business dealings. TIME reported on Democratic plans to take on Trump, based on interviews with more than two dozen Democratic leaders, strategists and members of Congress.
