WASHINGTON — U.S. House Democrats are preparing a broad oversight strategy targeting companies, financial firms, contractors and other entities linked to President Donald Trump if they regain control of the House of Representatives in November, with investigations expected to precede any effort to impeach him, according to people familiar with the planning.
Senior Democrats and congressional committee aides have discussed using hearings, subpoenas and document requests to examine dealings involving Trump, his administration, political donors and members of his family. The strategy reflects an expectation that the White House could resist congressional investigations, while private companies and other outside entities may be more accessible to congressional investigators.
Potential areas of scrutiny include Department of Homeland Security contracts, financing for a planned White House ballroom, corporate donations and alleged pay-to-play arrangements. Democrats are also considering investigations involving Trump-linked financial vehicles, including 1789 Capital, where his son Donald Trump Jr. is a partner, as well as foreign sovereign wealth funds that have invested in entities connected to the Trump family.
Companies that have surfaced in Democratic discussions include Apple, Alphabet, Palantir, Blackstone, BlackRock and companies owned by Elon Musk, including Tesla. Reuters reported that no final target list had been established and that no formal investigations had begun. Reuters also found no indication that the companies named had been accused of wrongdoing.
Democrats have already begun laying groundwork for possible investigations. Party leaders have sent information requests to companies and contractors, including Paramount Skydance, YouTube and Alphabet, as well as private prison operator GEO Group, security firm Salus Worldwide Solutions and commodity traders Vitol and Trafigura, according to people familiar with the effort. The requests could form the basis for subpoenas if Democrats win the House.
House Oversight Committee ranking Democrat Robert Garcia said existing investigations would expand under Democratic control. “We will ensure we combat corruption when Democrats take back the House in November,” Garcia said in a statement.
The White House said the administration was prepared to respond to oversight requests regardless of which party controls Congress.
Democratic leaders have not ruled out impeachment. But lawmakers involved in the planning say investigations would come first, with impeachment remaining an option if inquiries produce evidence of an impeachable offense. Trump was impeached twice by the House during his first presidency and acquitted by the Senate both times.
