White House warns Democrats probes of Trump could trigger crimes
What's next: House Democrats plan broad oversight in January, including Trump family wealth, Epstein handling, ICE operations and crypto deals.
The White House warned Democrats that planned investigations of the Trump administration could veer into criminal conduct, escalating a clash before the new Congress takes office in January. In a Monday letter to Rep. Robert Garcia, White House counsel Will Scharf wrote that threats aimed at executive branch officials or investigative steps meant to intimidate recipients could amount to “blatant criminality.” Garcia, who is expected to lead the House Oversight Committee under Democratic control, pushed back and said Congress does not need White House approval to conduct oversight. Democrats are preparing inquiries into President Donald Trump and his family, including wealth gained since his return to office, the Jeffrey Epstein case, Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, construction projects and crypto dealings involving Steve Witkoff.