Democrats set to take control of Congress: Which Trump records could they seek first, and which other Republicans could face scrutiny?

Democrats are rejoicing after the spectacular night they had on November 3. Their supporters are excited to see them take control, and the party is already making strategies for how they are going to defeat Republicans and the US President in the next few months. Rep. Robert Garcia had two words after Democrats’ midterm victory: “Lawyer up.” The California Democrat’s warning pointed to a practical change in Washington. Once the new Congress convenes, Democratic committee chairs can set hearing schedules and use subpoenas under their committees’ rules. They could start with inquiries that were already taking shape before the election. Formal investigations and impeachment votes remain separate decisions.

1. Why could Congress look at Jared Kushner’s finances?

Democrats have already sought information about Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law. One possible line of inquiry is whether his financial interests overlapped with his work in the Middle East.

An excerpt from journalist Matthew Cole’s book Princes and Thieves, published by Vanity Fair in October, alleged that Kushner had links to accounts funded by Gulf states. Kushner called the allegations false. In his defence, he argued that there were no bank account details pr any records mentioned in the excerpt that could verify that he was involved in any way. An inquiry by Congress could lead to asking for original records and testimony, and they can verify all the claims and bring the truth in front of everyone.

2. Could Pete Hegseth face an inquiry over the Iran war?

Lawmakers could examine how Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth handled U.S. military operations in Iran and Yemen. A central question is what authority the administration relied on to continue hostilities in Iran without explicit congressional approval.

Republican Rep. Thomas Massie raised that issue in September and called for Hegseth’s impeachment. A Pentagon spokesperson told The Guardian at the time that the department stood behind Hegseth’s leadership. The next Congress could seek the administration’s legal reasoning and question officials about when lawmakers were briefed.

3. Could Democrats impeach Donald Trump again?

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has raised impeachment over the administration’s decision to go to war with Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended the decision, saying the United States faced an imminent threat. An inquiry into Trump would examine the president’s decision to use military force. Scrutiny of Hegseth could focus more closely on how the Pentagon carried out those orders.

Trump was impeached twice during his first term. A third impeachment would require a House majority. Removal would require a two-thirds vote of senators present, a much higher threshold than winning Senate control.

4. What could Democrats investigate about ICE detention?

Democrats are looking forward to investigating U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They could start the process by first requesting official records. Earlier, Democratic U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen, Joyce Beatty, and Robin Kelly, along with 64 other House members, had written a letter to ICE to and sought a full report on what happened to pregnant people in its custody.

The Guardian mentioned in its report that the government records had some gaps which needed to be addressed. According to the publication, ICE recorded 18 miscarriages but they said that they don’t have any data or miscarriage related reports as they changed their billing procedures. This was for the term from October 3, 2025, through June 2026. The Department of Homeland Security rejected claims that pregnant detainees received inadequate care. A committee could ask when the reporting gaps began and whether ICE can recover the missing information.

FAQs

When can Democrats take over congressional committees?

The elected members of Congress will take charge of their duties on January 3, 2027 which is next year. Once the new Congress convenes, they can organise the committees.

Can congressional committees subpoena records?

Yes, they have the power to ask for official records. Committees can seek documents and testimony under their applicable rules.