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Democrats eye a new tool to hold Trump accountable if they win the House (www.cnn.com)

submitted 3 days ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/politics@lemmy.world

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With two months until the midterm elections, Democrats are laying the groundwork to launch far-reaching investigations into the Trump administration and preparing for high-stakes court battles if they win control of the House of Representatives in November.

Donald Trump’s war with Iran, his White House ballroom project, his family’s business dealings and the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files will be among the top targets of investigations if Democrats take back the House, according to conversations with over a dozen Democratic lawmakers and aides.

Democrats don’t want to squander the opportunity to act as a check on Trump if they reclaim the majority and say they have learned a lot since the last time the party controlled the House while Trump was in office. Few say they are interested in launching an impeachment process on day one, and many instead are eyeing a new tool that would be at their disposal to try to quickly compel the testimony and documents they seek: lawsuits.

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[-] Arcanepotato@crazypeople.online 5 points 3 days ago

Thanks. Is there a reason they can't bring lawsuits without the calling investigations via Congress? I read about orgs or states suing the gov. What am I missing that they can't bring suits now? Maybe they aren't the wrong party in a super black and white way?

[-] MrVilliam@sh.itjust.works 5 points 3 days ago

Again, I could be wrong, but I think it's not really "Congress" that is suing unless the majority is suing. If the issue is that the president is acting illegally, well the scotus already said that that's allowed if the illegal acts are official acts by the office of the president, partially because impeachment is already an available avenue; then sue/indict once he's no longer president.

Orgs can sue, but individuals can't sue for stuff that is generally affecting all. For example, I as an individual can't sue just because I disagree with spending tax dollars on helping Israel or hurting Iran, but Congress could sue if they explicitly did not authorize that spending and the administration did it anyway. But I don't think any ole member could do that, I think it's probably either from the speaker or voted on. I'm speculating, so somebody please correct me if you know better than my guesses.

this post was submitted on 13 Sep 2026

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