White House Warns Democrats That Subpoenas Could Prompt Investigation

WASHINGTON (AURN News) — The White House is warning Democrats poised to lead the House Oversight Committee that they could face a criminal investigation if they misuse subpoenas to intimidate Trump administration officials.

White House counsel Will Scharf put the warning in a letter to Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., who is expected to chair the committee when Democrats take control of the House in January. Scharf pointed to public comments from Democrats, including Garcia’s advice to Trump officials to “lawyer up.”

Scharf wrote that an investigation could be warranted if lawmakers issued unlawful subpoenas with the intent to deprive someone of their constitutional rights.

Garcia said Wednesday that voters sent Democrats to Congress to root out corruption and abuse. He said the warning won’t stop him.

Garcia’s priorities for the committee include investigating corruption allegations involving Trump’s family, alleged abuses by federal immigration authorities, corporate corruption and the Jeffrey Epstein case.

The Supreme Court has said Congress can demand documents and testimony for a legitimate legislative purpose. That includes checking whether the administration is carrying out laws Congress already passed.

If the White House refuses to comply with a subpoena, House lawmakers can negotiate for the records or ask a federal court to enforce it. The House can also vote to hold an official in contempt of Congress and refer the case to the Justice Department for possible prosecution.

The first request for records could show whether the White House is willing to cooperate with the new Democratic majority if Garcia gets the gavel in January.

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