Democrats in Congress are discussing potential investigations into companies, universities, and law firms that worked with the Trump administration, as they look ahead to the possibility of regaining congressional power after the 2026 midterm elections.
According to a report from Axios, Democrats – who have complained that the White House is ‘weaponizing’ the justice system after Joe Biden’s DOJ actually charged President Trump – are in the early stages of considering how they might use subpoena authority if they take control of Congress. The discussions focus on potential oversight efforts targeting institutions that cooperated with the Trump administration, Breitbart News reported.
Several Senate Democrats have reportedly taken part in preliminary discussions about the strategy. Among them are Sens. Adam Schiff of California, Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut.
All three senators currently serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee. The panel plays a key role in congressional investigations and oversight of the Justice Department.
Schiff previously led the first impeachment effort against President Donald Trump during Trump’s first term. That investigation centered on allegations related to the president’s actions during the 2016 election cycle.
Lawmakers from both parties reportedly believe Democrats have a strong chance of winning control of the House in the next election cycle. If that happens, the party could gain expanded authority to launch investigations.
The House of Representatives has broader subpoena powers than the Senate. That authority would allow Democrats to compel testimony and documents from companies and institutions.
Axios reported that Democrats are exploring potential investigations into why certain organizations chose to work with the Trump administration. The list of possible targets could include corporations, universities, and private entities.
Some discussions have reportedly focused on financial matters tied to the White House. Those include donations connected to a renovation project involving the East Wing.
Lawmakers have also discussed examining financial agreements between the administration and universities. The details of those potential investigations remain unclear.
A spokesperson for Schiff said the senator has already filed a series of Freedom of Information Act requests related to Trump-era issues. The requests seek records connected to several matters involving the administration.
The spokesperson said the requests cover 12 different topics. Those include bank records connected to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and questions surrounding Trump’s reported acceptance of a plane from Qatar.
Democrats have also questioned individuals involved in fundraising efforts tied to the administration. Those inquiries focused on lobbyists and fundraisers who were reportedly seeking donations from corporations and wealthy donors.
The donations were allegedly connected to a proposal to construct a ballroom associated with the president. Lawmakers have raised questions about how those fundraising efforts were conducted.
Democratic lawmakers have also discussed using oversight powers to investigate major corporations. Some of the conversations have included the possibility of antitrust investigations.
Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, criticized Trump’s financial dealings during his presidency.
“The cardinal, original sin of Trump was to decide that he was going to use the presidency as a profit-making enterprise in his first term,” Raskin said. “Congress should have impeached him for receiving millions and millions of dollars from foreign governments,” Raskin said.
Some Democrats have also raised concerns about consolidation in the media industry. They argue that large corporations controlling major news outlets could face scrutiny.
Sen. Chris Murphy suggested some media companies could face action if Democrats return to power.
“Paramount should enjoy its growing news monopoly while they have it,” Murphy said. “When Democrats win back power we are going to break up these anti-democratic information conglomerates,” Murphy said.
Other lawmakers have suggested focusing on a smaller number of companies rather than launching widespread investigations. They argue that concentrating on a few cases could be more effective.
“I don’t think you can do like 100 companies but I think you can do three and start with that,” Rep. Pramila Jayapal said. “You can’t do everything, but you’ve got to pick a few of the worst and focus there.”