Most Americans were opposed to the decision to go to war against Iran and were laser-focused on issues of affordability, according to most midterm exit polling that handed Democrats big victories all over the country and control of the House and Senate.
But Wednesday morning, rather than make promises to address those issues, top Democrats instead vowed more investigations into President Trump and his White House.
In an interview with MS NOW, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.), who is likely to become majority leader again in January, made clear where the party’s priorities lie.
While making a passing reference to “costs,” something Democrats didn’t care much about when they were passing Joe Biden’s massive spending bills the first two years of his term—which economists say led to record inflation—Schumer strongly suggested that Trump investigations will be priorities.
“Should we investigate? Yes. Trump is the most corrupt president we have ever had by a lot, and Americans don’t like that. Some Republicans and moderates don’t like that. So we have to pay some attention to that,” he said.
Democrats and Republicans wasted little time reacting after Tuesday’s midterms handed Democrats control of both chambers of Congress and reshaped Washington’s political landscape.
Democratic celebrations quickly turned toward plans for investigations and oversight of President Donald Trump’s administration when the new Congress convenes in January.
Rep. Robert Garcia, the California Democrat positioned to lead the powerful House Oversight Committee, issued a two-word warning Tuesday night: “LAWYER UP.”
Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon offered an equally blunt preview of what Democratic control of Senate committees could bring, posting simply: “Subpoenas.”
Democrats will gain committee gavels, investigative authority and subpoena power after spending the first two years of Trump’s second administration in the congressional minority.
Chuck Schumer is asked “How do you balance policy with accountability” on Morning Joe:
Should we investigate? Yes. Trump is the most corrupt President we have ever had by a lot, and Americans don’t like that. So we have to pay some attention to that https://t.co/sNfI4IPrRV
— Clipping Wings (@ClippingWings) November 4, 2026
Garcia has said his committee has been preparing potential investigations for months rather than waiting until Democrats officially captured the majority.
Those inquiries could examine immigration enforcement, Trump family business interests, alleged corporate misconduct and the administration’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related records.
Other Democratic lawmakers were equally aggressive about their intentions after the election results became clear.
Sen. Ed Markey joked that new forests would be needed to supply enough paper for all the subpoenas Democrats intend to issue.
Rep. Delia Ramirez also publicly named administration officials and allies she wants before Congress, including Stephen Miller and border czar Tom Homan.
The coming Democratic majority could also intensify scrutiny of War Secretary Pete Hegseth following previous Democratic efforts to impeach him.
Democratic leaders have separately promised a legislative agenda focused on affordability, including gasoline, groceries, health care and reversing Republican-backed changes to federal programs.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries characterized the results as a demand for change and promised Democrats would attempt to deliver on voters’ concerns.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer summarized his party’s message differently, declaring, “Relief is on the way.”
Some progressive activists went considerably further than elected Democratic leaders while celebrating Republican defeats online.
Progressive streamer Hasan Piker, who supported several Democratic Socialist-backed candidates, posted an expletive-laden message predicting imprisonment following Democratic victories.
Piker had campaigned with Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated Republican Mike Rogers in one of Tuesday’s closely watched Senate races.
Progressive commentator Dean Withers declared “TEXAS IS BLUE” after Democrats James Talarico and Gina Hinojosa scored major statewide victories there.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune defended Republican accomplishments on border security and taxes while promising opposition to Democratic efforts to reverse GOP policies.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he was disappointed but vowed Republicans would oppose what he characterized as an increasingly socialist Democratic agenda.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
