Democrats launch probes into Trump wealth

Nearly half of U.S. voters said government corruption was crucial to their decision in the midterm elections, according to a new AP Voter Poll. That sentiment drove the Democratic agenda as the party took control of Congress and prepared to launch a series of investigations into the Trump administration.

House Speaker-elect Hakeem Jeffries has directed his party to use the newly acquired majority to examine how the president and his family increased their wealth since he returned to office. Jeffries has not ruled out a third impeachment attempt. He tasked Rep. Robert Garcia of California and Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland with leading the effort to link public corruption to affordability issues.

Rep. Garcia outlined five priorities for the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. These include Trump family business dealings, the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Rep. Jared Huffman of California plans to investigate the White House ballroom construction and the Trump family’s role in mineral deals.

The Senate will pursue a parallel track. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, who is expected to chair the Homeland Security Committee’s investigation subcommittee, said his panel will examine the president’s real estate projects and crypto dealings with Steve Witkoff. Witoff is a longtime ally who partnered with Trump on the World Liberty Financial cryptocurrency venture. Blumenthal also plans to hold hearings on ICE raids and Medicare plans.

Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, who will lead the Senate Finance Committee, identified banks and pharmaceutical companies as key targets. Wyden argued that these entities ignored red flags regarding Epstein’s finances or profited from ties to the administration. He stated that when he assumes the chair, these entities will be forced to answer for their role in enabling the president's corruption.

The AP Voter Poll surveyed more than 100,000 voters nationwide. While about 4 in 10 said the economy was the top issue, about 3 in 10 cited the state of democracy as their primary concern. Among voters who named the state of democracy as the top issue, about 8 in 10 supported the Democratic candidate in their local House race. Older voters were more likely than younger voters to prioritize the state of democracy over the economy.

President Trump has maintained a conciliatory tone since the election loss, stating that Democrats did a good job in their campaigns. White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis said on Wednesday that the president is willing to work with anyone to deliver victories. However, she warned that if Democrats pursue sham investigations and radical left policies, they are choosing to work against the American people.

Democratic leaders aim to balance these investigations with legislation on affordability. Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, who will return as Senate majority leader, said no American should have to make tradeoffs at the supermarket while the president makes inside trades on the stock market. Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont urged his colleagues to be cautious and judicious, warning that the party cannot turn the process into a vengeance tour. The Congressional Integrity Project advised lawmakers to trace administrative actions to specific individuals and corporations profiting from them.