The results of the U.S. midterm elections looked like a popular mandate to check and pressure Donald Trump, marking what amounted to a near-historic triumph for the Democrats. Republican strongholds fell, Democratic ones held, seats in states like Texas and Kansas changed hands, while Trump had been hoping for a more manageable margin. Aspiring senators, such as Abdul el-Sayed in Michigan and James Talarico in Texas, have set their sights on both the U.S. President and Vice President JD Vance — even as a report out of Britain suggests that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, widely considered a top Republican contender for the 2028 presidential nomination, may be on the verge of resignation.
Donald Trump is not about to put the noose around his own neck — however, the Democrats show no sign of backing down. There are questions they want answered, and they now have the authority to pursue them. Their intention is to make full use of their legislative role and investigate cases in which the U.S. President may be implicated — cases that remain shrouded in uncertainty. So, even though Trump struck a conciliatory tone after his sweeping defeat and stated he would not use his veto, the Democrats have a clear agenda of issues to examine, as reported by ERT.
Donald Trump: Chapter one — corruption
Trump’s time in office will be placed under a microscope when it comes to his activities. Both his family and members of his administration are set to face scrutiny. Under examination will be the funding of Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding by a Russian oligarch, as well as the financial dealings of Jared Kushner — Trump’s son-in-law and special envoy for the Ukraine war negotiations — with Saudi Arabia, reportedly amounting to at least $2 billion.
ERT reports that Democrats also want to scrutinize Pentagon contracts awarded to companies on whose boards Trump family members sit, as well as the president’s own business activities in the cryptocurrency space — activities that, according to Democrats, raise issues warranting investigation. The political and legislative lead on these investigations is expected to be taken by Hakeem Jeffries, who is set to become Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chuck Schumer, the Democratic Senate Majority Leader.
Chapter two — ICE
Democrats are also set to examine issues related to the activities of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE). They have already announced plans to investigate allegations of unlawful practices and human rights violations during immigration enforcement operations. Public sentiment toward the agency is already deeply hostile. Data shows that since January 2025, when the large-scale crackdown on undocumented immigration began, 32 shooting incidents have been recorded, resulting in nine deaths.
Democrats are expected to examine the conditions under which these operations were carried out, the practices of federal authorities, and allegations of rights violations — seeking answers about how the Trump administration’s immigration policy has been implemented.
Chapter three — Russia
Naturally, the relationship between Trump, his administration, and Russia is something Democrats are determined to investigate. The most recent flashpoint was the shutdown of Starshield in Ukraine — the satellite system belonging to Elon Musk’s company, used to provide critical intelligence and communications. Democrats want to determine whether there was government involvement in that decision. They also want to investigate the lifting of sanctions against Moscow and the near-simultaneous agreement to purchase Russian oil.
Official letters have already been sent requesting that all relevant documents, records, and communications be preserved ahead of the investigations Democrats are planning.
Chapter four — Epstein
Finally, ERT notes that the Jeffrey Epstein case is set to be investigated by Democrats. They intend to examine files that the Justice Department never made public, in order to determine whether any officials were connected to one of the most serious sexual abuse scandals in U.S. history — one that involves at least 1,000 women and has raised persistent questions about the financier’s connections to powerful figures. Abdul el-Sayed, who will become Michigan’s senator from January 19, has also called on Trump to take a lie detector test — adding, with pointed irony, that if Trump prefers, he himself is happy to go through a metal detector, a sharp reference to el-Sayed’s Muslim faith — and to answer questions about Epstein.
Democrats are clear that their intention to investigate the Epstein case does not constitute evidence of Trump’s involvement or guilt, but is part of their broader effort to examine all aspects of a case with wide political and social ramifications. This comes as the 2027–28 season is a pre-election period, and Democrats intend to demonstrate what they are capable of delivering — with an eye toward returning to government for the 2029–33 term.
