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White House warns congressional Democrats: Investigating us may be a crime

NBC News • November 11, 2026 • nation

Key Points:

The White House counsel, Will Scharf, sent a letter warning incoming House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. Robert Garcia that Democrats’ threats of congressional probes may be criminal and could prompt executive-branch investigations.
Scharf criticized Democratic lawmakers for making cavalier threats of issuing subpoenas, suggesting such actions could intimidate government officials and abuse the legislative process.
House Speaker-designate Hakeem Jeffries condemned the letter as factually and legally inaccurate, affirming that a Democratic Congress will serve as a check on what he called an "out-of-control" executive branch.
Democrats, including Garcia, emphasized their constitutional authority under Article I to conduct investigations and oversight, signaling their intent to probe former President Trump, his family, and administration despite White House warnings.
The letter and responses highlight escalating partisan tensions as Democrats prepare to assume control of key congressional committees and pursue investigations into Trump-related matters.

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