California Democrats plan to investigate Trump but leave a third impeachment off the table for now

Detailed summary

Top California Democrats in Congress plan to investigate Trump, his administration and his family over policies and entanglements they allege heightened the nation's affordability crisis.

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California Democrats, poised to play a prominent role in the next Congress, plan to use their newly won power to investigate President Trump over allegations that corruption, cronyism and self-dealing enriched the president, his family and his allies while housing, fuel and food costs skyrocketed for everyday Americans.

The potential targets are wide-ranging, from immigration raids and the fatal shootings of protesters by federal agents to Trump’s ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein and billions of dollars in investment made by Middle Eastern countries allegedly seeking to influence U.S. foreign policy.

The war with Iran, which increased oil prices, the military operation in Venezuela and dizzying tariff policies are also expected to come under intense scrutiny.

However, Democrats are notably focused on investigations, not the other “I-word” — impeachment.

“That’s not on my bingo card,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands), who is expected to become House Democratic whip. “We’re focused on accountability, and we’re focused on holding people accountable, and that should be to follow the evidence wherever it leads ... but that’s not anything that House Democrats are discussing at this point.”

Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), who played a leading role in the impeachment proceedings against Trump in 2020, said the priority is to alleviate the affordability crisis, but that the administration’s actions must be scrutinized for causing it.

“Our oversight agenda should be focused on corruption that has led to higher costs,” said Schiff, who has been making calls to colleagues about his desire to serve in leadership next year given his fundraising prowess, his visibility communicating the party’s priorities and his oversight experience, according to a source close to the senator.

Judicial appointments are also a priority for California’s two senators, who could review appointments to the federal courts…

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