Democrats Eye Potential Investigations Post-2026 Midterms

Democrats in both the House and Senate are reportedly considering investigations into various entities, including companies, universities, and law firms that collaborated with the Trump administration.

According to Axios, there’s talk among Democrats about possibly utilizing subpoena power if they gain control after the 2026 midterm elections.

Officials like Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)—all members of the Senate Judiciary Committee—are engaged in initial discussions on the matter.

Schiff notably led the first impeachment effort against President Trump, focusing on alleged collusion with Russia during the 2016 campaign.

The report suggests that both Republican and Democratic lawmakers predict a Democratic majority in the House after the midterms. Notably, the House has broader subpoena powers than the Senate.

Democrats are optimistic that investigations into the Trump administration will spur resistance, but they believe that businesses and other private entities might lack the resources to effectively counter these inquiries. Investigations may probe into why significant agencies partnered with the Trump administration, examining areas like donations for renovations and funding agreements at higher education institutions.

A representative for Schiff noted that the senator has already submitted Freedom of Information Act requests covering twelve issues, such as the bank records of sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and gifts received by Trump, including a private plane from Qatar.

Senate Democrats have also scrutinized fundraisers and lobbyists accused of soliciting donations from large corporations and wealthy individuals for Trump’s proposed banquet hall.

Previous reports indicated that Democrats are strategizing ways to target businesses should they regain control of the House.

Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), a ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, remarked, “Trump’s cardinal sin was using the presidency as a commercial venture. Congress should have impeached him for accepting millions from foreign governments.”

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) noted, “Paramount should enjoy its news monopoly while it lasts, as Democrats will take action to dismantle these anti-democratic information conglomerates when we regain power.”

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) expressed caution, stating, “I don’t think I can address all companies involved. We can’t tackle everything, but we need to identify the worst offenders and focus on them.”