Dems may not immediately impeach Trump if they win House, here’s what they’re planning instead

WASHINGTON, DC: House Democrats are reportedly preparing a broad investigative strategy targeting President Donald Trump, his administration and businesses connected to his political and financial network if they regain control of the chamber in November midterms, according to four people familiar with the discussions.

Rather than moving immediately toward impeaching Trump, Democrats are considering hearings, subpoenas and document requests aimed at building a record of potential wrongdoing. The approach comes as the party fears that an early impeachment could reflect the same political dynamics of Trump's first term. 

House Democrats prepare subpoenas and investigations

Senior House Democrats and committee aides have reportedly discussed investigating companies, contractors, financial firms and other entities connected to Trump's administration and business interests. Democrats reportedly allege that outside organizations could provide information that may be more difficult to obtain directly from the White House, which is expected to resist congressional oversight.

Potential areas of investigation include Department of Homeland Security contracts, financing for Trump's planned White House ballroom, corporate donations and alleged pay-to-play arrangements. Democrats are also considering scrutiny of Trump-linked financial firms, including 1789 Capital, where his son Donald Trump Jr is a partner.

Several companies have surfaced in preliminary discussions because of their contracts, regulatory exposure or dealings with the administration, including Apple, Alphabet, Palantir, Blackstone, BlackRock and companies owned by Elon Musk. However, no formal investigations have begun, according to the sources.

Democrats have already begun laying the groundwork. Party leaders have sent letters seeking records from companies and other organizations that could become subjects of future investigations. The requests could provide a basis for subpoenas if Democrats win control of the House.

The top Democrats on the House Oversight and Judiciary committees, Rep Robert Garcia and Rep Jamie Raskin, have also reportedly indicated that existing investigations could expand under Democratic control.

"From sketchy Pentagon contracts lining ​the pockets of the president's sons, Trump's crypto ⁠billions, and the shady backroom deals for Trump donors, we will ensure we combat corruption when Democrats take back the House in November,” Garcia said.

Democrats consider impeachment after investigations

The strategy would give Democrats time to gather evidence before deciding whether any conduct warrants impeachment. A senior Democratic aide said the party does not intend to begin with an impeachment vote.

“We're not going into this to impeach,” the aide said. “No one wants a failed vote on day one. The focus is on building a body of evidence through investigations that can hold Trump accountable.” Democrats' approach is reportedly shaped in part after Trump's first term, when the House impeached him twice and the Senate acquitted him both times. 

However, party officials have said impeachment remains an option if investigations produce evidence of an impeachable offense. “If investigations uncover evidence that we believe meets the threshold, we will not hesitate to move forward,” the aide said.

The White House said Trump has worked to oppose the “radical left's agenda” and remains focused on preserving Republican control of Congress. A White House official said the administration is “prepared to respond to oversight requests, no matter who is in the House or Senate.”