Trump and Justice Department brace for Democratic investigations

President Donald Trump and his Justice Department are taking a combative stance toward Democrats after their midterm election victories, setting the stage for intense conflict as lawmakers prepare aggressive investigations into the executive branch next year. Attorney General Todd Blanche echoed Trump's defiance, saying criminal investigations of Democrats are possible, while Rep. Robert Garcia, poised to chair the House Oversight Committee, is preparing probes into what he calls the "Trump crime family." Democrats have signaled impeachment remains an option, with about 7 in 10 voters saying Congress is not doing enough to check the presidency. Some Democrats worry overreach could undermine their mandate to lower living costs, with Sen.-elect Adam Hamilton expressing skepticism about impeachment and Sen. Bernie Sanders warning against spending all time on investigations. House leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump's chief of staff pick Stephen Miller and supports impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.