Trump orders US Justice Department to look into Democrats for 'threatening' people with impeachment, other penalties

President Donald Trump instructed the US Justice Department on Saturday to investigate Democrats for allegedly threatening individuals with impeachment and other forms of punishment, labeling their actions as "criminal". In a social media post, Trump alleged Democrats had sent "threatening letters to many people, all innocent". The party's midterm election victories last Tuesday saw them gain control of Congress from Trump's Republicans, promising to assert oversight of the executive branch through hearings and investigations.

Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan sparked the controversy with comments suggesting Congress should investigate individuals who have facilitated Trump's policies. She argued she aimed to deter young people from working in the Trump administration due to potential legal problems. Slotkin's remarks, made shortly after the elections, drew criticism from some Republicans, including Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah.

Slotkin dismissed the criticism, stating her comments did not threaten anyone and that individuals should only face accountability if they break the law or misuse taxpayer funds. The Justice Department, however, has previously investigated Slotkin for posting a video urging service members and intelligence officials to defy illegal orders, which a grand jury dismissed. A spokesperson for the Justice Department did not comment further on the matter.