Schumer Says Democratic Senate Will Investigate Trump: 'Should We Investigate? Yes'
Democrats won big on Tuesday after exit polls showed most voters were focused on affordability and opposed to the war with Iran. But less than a day later, top Democrats were already talking about investigating President Donald Trump.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, who is expected to become majority leader again in January, made the party's plans clear in an interview on MS NOW's “Morning Joe” on Wednesday.
Asked how Democrats would balance policy with accountability, Schumer said the party's number one focus would be costs. Then he turned to Trump.
“Should we investigate? Yes. Trump is the most corrupt president we have ever had by a lot, and Americans don't like that. Some Republicans and moderates don't like that. So we have to pay some attention to that,” he said.
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Schumer's remarks came as both parties scrambled to react to a night that handed Democrats control of both chambers of Congress and reshaped the political landscape in Washington. Democratic celebrations quickly turned to plans for investigations and oversight once the new Congress convenes in January.
“Lawyer Up” and “Subpoenas”
Schumer was far from alone. Rep. Robert Garcia of California, who is in line to lead the powerful House Oversight Committee, posted a two-word warning on Tuesday night: “LAWYER UP.”
Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon offered an even shorter preview of what Democratic control of Senate committees could bring, posting a single word: “Subpoenas.”
Democrats will gain committee gavels, investigative authority and subpoena power after spending the first two years of Trump's second term in the minority.
Garcia has said his committee has been preparing potential investigations for months. Those could look at immigration enforcement, Trump family business interests, alleged corporate misconduct and the administration's handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related records.
Targets Named
Other Democrats were just as eager. Sen. Ed Markey joked that new forests would be needed to supply enough paper for all the subpoenas Democrats plan to send.
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Rep. Delia Ramirez publicly named administration officials she wants to see testify before Congress, including Stephen Miller and border czar Tom Homan. The new majority could also step up scrutiny of War Secretary Pete Hegseth, whom Democrats have previously tried to impeach.
Some progressive activists went even further online. Streamer Hasan Piker, who campaigned with Michigan Senate winner Abdul El-Sayed, posted a profanity-filled message predicting prison sentences. Commentator Dean Withers declared “TEXAS IS BLUE” after Democrats James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa won statewide races there.
Republicans Push Back
Democratic leaders have also promised an agenda focused on affordability, including gas prices, groceries and health care, along with reversing Republican changes to federal programs. Schumer summed up the message by declaring, “Relief is on the way.”
Jeffries, the incoming House speaker, described the results as a demand for change and promised Democrats would try to deliver on voters' concerns about the cost of living, even as many in his party openly looked forward to hearings and subpoenas.
Republicans were quick to respond. Senate Majority Leader John Thune defended the GOP's record on border security and taxes and promised to fight Democratic efforts to undo Republican policies.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was disappointed by the results but vowed that Republicans would stand against what he called an increasingly socialist Democratic agenda.