President Donald Trump said Saturday that the Department of Justice should investigate Democrats who have talked about impeachment and other action against his administration officials.1,3
Trump made the request in a Truth Social post that came days after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress from Republicans in Tuesday's midterm elections.3
"The Democrats are going around threatening a lot of people," Trump wrote, adding that some members of his Cabinet have been threatened with impeachment. "This is extortion at the highest level, and they should be held accountable for this."1,3
Trump asked the Justice Department to "look into this." He said what Democrats had done amounted to a criminal act, without providing evidence.1,3
Democratic lawmakers and newly elected candidates have said they would pursue investigations into the Trump family's financial dealings and into U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as investigations into Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Attorney General Todd Blanche.3
Trump said some Democrats were also threatening his donors, whom he called "some of the most respected people anywhere in the World." He said Democrats were targeting them for their political views and specifically named Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin.2,3
Trump gave no evidence that Slotkin or other Democrats threatened people over their political views. The reports did not list the donors Trump was referring to or describe any specific threat made against them.3
Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia of California, who is likely to chair the House Oversight Committee, posted "LAWYER UP" on social media after it became clear Democrats would take the House. The committee serves as the investigative committee in the House and has broad jurisdiction and power.3
When Democrats take control of Congress in January, they will be able to conduct a range of investigations. That includes ordering access to documents, summoning Trump officials to testify and holding hearings.3
During his second term, Trump has called for investigations into his political enemies, including former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.3
