Democrats signal oversight blitz as Trump officials lawyer up

Democrats made clear after Tuesday’s stunning midterm victories that they will use their historic gains in Congress to flex their investigative muscles, swiftly issuing warnings to Trump administration officials they say have thus far dodged their oversight. 

“Lawyer up,” was the two-word statement issued by incoming House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chair Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), whose side of the panel has already lobbed a number of inquiries at Trump administration officials.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) was even more brief, posting online only “Subpoenas” — a reminder that the party will now have the power to compel testimony from the administration and beyond.

“We’re going to bring accountability to those who have visited unprecedented corruption on this country,” Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), set to be the next House Speaker, told those gathered at a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee watch party Tuesday night.

“Because if you have people in high office who are so focused on enriching themselves, their family members, their friends or their donors, then they’re not focused on making life better for the American people. But House Democrats will put the American people first.”

Some Democrats were quick to outline priorities for the year ahead.

Garcia’s team indicated it would be investigating “The Trump Crime Family, Crony corporations ripping off the American people, Corrupt Trump admin officials profiting off the presidency, Associates of Jeffrey Epstein” and then specifically called out Corey Lewandowski, who stands accused of funneling contracts at the Department of Homeland Security to allies.

Meanwhile, House Judiciary Committee Democrats on Wednesday issued a job posting for new oversight, investigative and legislative counsel.

“House Judiciary Democrats are prepared to put an end to the rampant and out-of-control corruption........

© The Hill