Trump allies prepare for legal costs if Democrats win midterms

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 17:46 · Archive

Trump administration officials are preparing for potential Democratic investigations and legal bills if Democrats gain congressional power in Tuesday's midterm elections.

Trump's administration is preparing for potential Democratic investigations and associated legal bills if Democrats gain control of either chamber of Congress in Tuesday's midterm elections. The White House counsel's office has added attorneys in anticipation of Democratic gains, and some outside law firms have offered assistance. Lower-level administration officials have taken out legal insurance to protect themselves.

Democrats plan to investigate Trump administration policies, alleged corruption, and Trump family business dealings if they win the midterms. Representatives Robert Garcia and Jamie Raskin are expected to lead these efforts on the oversight and judiciary committees respectively. Democrats have pointed to ethical concerns and conflicts of interest during Trump's second term, including the president and his family's personal wealth.

The administration has a new tool to slow Democratic inquiries. The Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion in August asserting that the president can assert executive privilege over communications with advisers who do not work for the Executive Branch. This assertion could shield former officials, outside allies, and relatives from demands for testimony and documents, likely resulting in court proceedings that take months or years to resolve.

How it is being reported

• Family wealth, Epstein, ‘vanity projects’: How Democrats plan to investigate Trump after midtermsDemocrats are preparing to launch a flurry of investigations into President Donald Trump’s administration and business dealings if they retake one or both chambers of Congress, devising strategies to circumvent obstruction from the White House and avoid the impeachment deadlock that consumed the US legislature during Trump’s first term in office.France 24 · 3 Nov, 17:30
• Trump allies brace for massive legal bills if GOP loses midterms — but have new way to fight Dem probesPresident Trump's allies are bracing for legal bills that could reach into the millions as Democrats ready for investigations if they win the Tuesday midterm elections — but the administration is preparing to fight back and has a new tool to drag out proceedings.New York Post · 2 Nov, 10:00

In this story: Donald Trump · Robert Garcia · Jamie Raskin · United States Congress · Democratic Party · White House · Justice Department

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