Democrats take both chambers of Congress, vow to probe Trump

Democratic candidates secured control of both the House of Representatives and the United States Senate on Tuesday night, giving the party full legislative power to investigate President Donald Trump and block his executive orders.

Democrats hold 54 Senate seats compared to 44 for Republicans. In the House, Democratic lawmakers have captured 232 seats, surpassing the 218 required for a majority, with several races still undecided.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the party would work to lower costs for Americans regardless of presidential cooperation. He warned that the administration would face subpoenas and hearings if it defied the will of the American people or the law.

Representative Hakeem Jeffries, who is set to become House Speaker, echoed Schumer on CNN, stating that the party ran on affordability and now has a responsibility to govern on that issue.

President Trump said he would veto bills he opposes, noting that he can send them back with a veto stamp. However, he also expressed willingness to make deals with Democratic leaders he described as friends.

House Oversight Committee Chair Robert Garcia of Long Beach wrote on X that the administration should lawyer up. Garcia said the committee plans to investigate the Trump family’s business dealings and alleged corruption by officials. He said the committee has flagged more than 1,000 instances of credible and verifiable abuses by federal immigration agents.

Garcia added that the committee will also examine corporate corruption and the role of white nationalist groups in recruiting federal immigration agents. Democrats plan to summon Cabinet officials to testify on issues including the war in Iran.

The new Senate majority allows Democrats to block judicial appointments, including Supreme Court nominees. They do not have the two-thirds majority needed to override a presidential veto. Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, said Democrats will not rush to impeach Trump so he can mobilize his base.