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, signaling intense conflict as lawmakers prepare aggressive investigations into the executive branch next year. Trump declared investigative requests from Democrats are "extortion at the highest level," while Attorney General Todd Blanche said criminal investigations of Democrats are possible. Rep. Robert Garcia, poised to chair the House Oversight Committee, is preparing probes into what he calls the "Trump crime family," with Democrats making clear impeachment is an option. About 7 in 10 voters say Congress is not doing enough to check the presidency, according to The AP Voter Poll. Some Democrats worry overreach could undermine their mandate to lower living costs, while incoming senators expressed skepticism about impeachment and divisions emerged over leadership and Trump's chief of staff appointment.