Democrats Have a Plan to Force Trump’s Associates to Cooperate With Investigations
Donald Trump’s West Wing renovations and DC arch could be on the chopping block, should Democrats win the midterms—they could also be leverage.
Democrats are planning to use their power of the purse to compel Trump administration associates to cooperate with investigations in the next Congress, according to sources. With control of the House seemingly within reach, House Democrats are exploring how to force recalcitrant officials to answer subpoenas and threaten funding for Trump's construction projects.
The top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, Jamie Raskin, stated that Congress has the power to decide what projects are appropriate and that funding for Trump's future West Wing renovations or triumphal arch could be cut off if necessary. While traditional enforcement of subpoenas through the courts can take years, some Democrats are considering adding cumulative monetary fines through an inherent contempt provision in House rules.
However, legal experts believe the only viable solution is for Congress to pass legislation that fast-tracks judicial review for contested subpoenas while the president is still in office.
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