Among President Trump’s long list of perceived political enemies, one lawmaker has drawn outsize scrutiny from the administration: Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).

Trump has routinely fixated on the California senator, who investigated Russia’s 2016 election interference and served as the lead manager on Trump’s first impeachment.

Schiff was also a member of the House committee that investigated the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, laying blame for the riot with Trump.

Since taking office for the second time, Trump has not just repeatedly bashed Schiff but tapped his powers to go after his adversary.

The administration has launched a probe into the lawmaker, suggesting he wrongly obtained more favorable lending conditions for his Washington-area home -- a claim the lawmaker denies.

The Justice Department has also released to Congress other documents the administration says back Trump's claims that Schiff is a leaker. Schiff has denied any improper release of classified information, while his team has said it's an accusation from one disgruntled former employee.

Schiff appears to realize he may be in for a long-term battle.

Last month he created a legal defense fund as he prepares to fight the investigation into his Maryland home.

“It’s clear that Donald Trump and his MAGA allies will continue weaponizing the justice process to attack Senator Schiff for holding this corrupt administration accountable,” Marisol Samayoa, a spokesperson for Schiff, said in a statement.

“This fund will ensure he can fight back against these baseless smears while continuing to do his job.”

To Democrats, the reason for focusing on Schiff is obvious and alarming.

“There's probably no one they hate more than Adam Schiff – and personally, just genuinely hate,” said Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Ill.), who was on the House Intelligence Committee as Schiff, then the top Democrat on the panel, was investigating Trump.

“I was part of those investigations – side by side. And I think the fact that [Schiff] was so good at it as a former prosecutor, and so articulate and, more importantly, effective, is what Trump could never let........

© The Hill