WASHINGTON: US House Democrats are preparing to probe the Trump company if they win control in November, prioritising investigations of businesses and financial firms over an immediate impeachment effort.
Senior Democrats and congressional aides have discussed using hearings, subpoenas and document requests to examine companies connected to President Donald Trump’s political and business network, four people familiar with the plans told Reuters.
The proposed investigations would examine administration decisions and whether Trump used presidential power to benefit himself, his allies or donors. However, Democrats have not approved a final target list or opened formal investigations.
A senior Democratic aide said the party intends to build evidence through congressional oversight. The aide said leaders do not want to begin a new House majority with an impeachment vote that could fail.
Republicans currently hold a narrow House majority. A Democratic victory would give the party control of committees and the power to compel documents, testimony and public hearings.
Apple, Alphabet, Palantir, Blackstone, BlackRock and companies associated with Elon Musk, including Tesla, have surfaced during preliminary discussions. Their government contracts, regulatory exposure or administration dealings could attract scrutiny, the sources said.
Reuters said it could not determine whether any of the companies faced accusations of wrongdoing. Alphabet, Palantir, Blackstone and BlackRock declined to comment, while Apple and Tesla did not respond.
Other possible subjects include Department of Homeland Security contracts, corporate donors and financing for Trump’s planned White House ballroom. Democrats may also examine 1789 Capital, where Donald Trump Jr. is a partner, as well as investments by foreign sovereign wealth funds.
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The White House said Trump remained focused on preserving Republican control of Congress. An official said the administration was prepared to respond to oversight requests regardless of which party controlled the House or Senate.
Representatives Robert Garcia and Jamie Raskin, the leading Democrats on the House oversight and judiciary committees, respectively, said existing investigations would expand if their party won control.
