White House Warns House Democrats Subpoenas Could Turn Criminal as 2027 Oversight Fight Looms
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Nov 14
White House Warns House Democrats Subpoenas Could Turn Criminal as 2027 Oversight Fight Looms
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Nov 14
Summary
Nov. 9 letter from White House counsel William Scharf told Rep. Robert Garcia that planned Democratic investigations and subpoenas could exceed constitutional limits and potentially amount to criminal misconduct.
The warning followed Democrats' post-midterm calls for subpoenas and even impeachment trials for Trump officials, with Scharf arguing Congress may investigate only for a legitimate legislative purpose, not harassment or intimidation.
Robert Garcia, set to lead Oversight when Democrats take the House next year, rejected the threat and said Congress draws its authority from Article I and will not be deterred by the White House or DOJ.
Legal experts across the spectrum said the administration can challenge specific subpoenas in court, but criminal cases against lawmakers would face a much higher bar because of the Constitution's Speech or Debate Clause and the lack of a clear statute.