Representative Robert Garcia, Democrat of California, speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on September 16.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
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J. Scott Applewhite/AP
Rep. Robert Garcia, the California Democrat expected to chair the House Oversight Committee in January, said Democrats would continue their investigations into President Trump’s administration despite a warning from the White House that some of their actions could constitute criminal conduct.
“We’re not going to be deterred, and we’re certainly not going to be intimidated by Donald Trump or anyone in the administration,” Garcia told NPR. Morning edition THURSDAY.
In a letter dated Monday and made public Wednesday, White House counsel Will Scharf accused Democratic lawmakers of making “abusive and capricious threats” to investigate the administration. Scharf said threats against executive branch officials or efforts to intimidate them through congressional proceedings could result in “blatant criminality.”
The warning comes as Democrats prepare to take control of the House in January. It follows a broader set of statements from the administration, including Trump’s calls for Democratic lawmakers to face prison terms and Attorney General Todd Blanche’s refusal to rule out investigations or prosecutions.
Garcia said investigating corruption allegations involving Trump’s family would be a top priority, citing a $2 billion Saudi investment in a company run by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. He also called for investigations into former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former DHS adviser Corey Lewandowski over possible pay-to-play schemes.
“Our job is to investigate, take cases to court, pursue criminal charges and write good legislation so that this type of corruption does not happen again,” he said.
Garcia added that Democrats would continue to pursue the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of overseeing the killing of civilians at sea, embezzling funds and launching illegal wars.
“I hope the impeachment issue is not over,” he said.
Listen to the full interview by clicking the blue button above.
The radio interview was edited by Alice Woelfle and the text version was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
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