Trump's team sets stage for tough response to congressional inquiry
Donald Trump, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
The White House is preparing to aggressively counter large-scale investigations by the Democratic Party following the party's victory in the US midterm elections, according to The New York Times.
The US presidential administration plans not only to obstruct congressional requests but also to treat some actions by lawmakers as potential criminal offenses.
According to the publication, the main coordinator of this strategy will be the new White House Chief of Staff, Stephen Miller. The Department of Justice and the legal counsel of the presidential administration are also involved in its development.
The Democrats, for their part, intend to conduct large-scale investigations into the activities of Donald Trump, his family, administration officials, and the president's largest financial donors.
In particular, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressman Robert Garcia, and Senator Richard Blumenthal announced the launch of an investigation into fundraiser Meredith O'Rourke. According to available data, she organized the raising of over $800 million for Trump's construction projects.
“The fund-raising operation that President Trump reportedly directs with your assistance reeks of potential corruption and the potential for quid pro quo politics," the lawmakers wrote.
A representative of the fundraiser denied the allegations, stating that Trump cannot be bought.
The US president himself called on the Department of Justice to investigate the actions of Democratic Party representatives.
"Threatening letters have been sent to many people, all innocent, from Democrat Political Leaders. By copy of this statement, I am ordering the Department of Justice to look into this criminal act, immediately," Trump wrote on social media.
Subsequently, US Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Aaron Reitz, contacted Senator Blumenthal. He warned of potential serious legal consequences if he continues the investigation into the sponsors of the White House ballroom construction.
US Attorney General Todd Blanche assured that no criminal investigations are currently being conducted based on statements by future members of Congress. At the same time, he did not rule out that under certain conditions, threats could become grounds for criminal liability.
“There can come a point when a criticism becomes a threat. There are threats, which can be allowed as well, but at some point it does become a crime," Blanche stated.
Incidentally, it was previously reported that Democrats are preparing a $15 billion military aid package for Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the White House stated that Democrats will not be able to cancel Trump's achievements.
