Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said Sunday that Democrats, when they take control of Congress in January, must hold President Trump accountable for alleged corruption and unconstitutional actions, but warned that the party cannot become consumed by investigations.
“Do we want to hold the Trump administration accountable for their corruption, for their illegal, unconstitutional actions? Absolutely,” Sanders told NBC’s “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker. However, he added, “we cannot spend all of our time investigating Trump.”
The Vermont independent emphasized that Democrats should prioritize policies that help working families. “We ought to stand up for working class families, make a real difference in their lives,” he said.
Sanders reiterated his support for a single-payer healthcare system, urging passage of “Medicare for All” within the first year of Democratic control. He also suggested that Trump, despite being “mentally unbalanced” and “erratic,” is “not stupid” and could be persuaded to support such a plan. “He would love, I think, to take credit for doing what every other major country does, guaranteeing healthcare to people,” Sanders said.
Meanwhile, Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday deflected questions on CNN’s “State of the Union” about Democratic plans to investigate the president, his family, and Cabinet members. Blanche pointed to what he described as threats against conservatives and potential appointees, saying, “You are allowed to be critical of President Trump, of me, of this administration. But when the threats become so vile and so dangerous… you have to draw the line.”
Democrats have signaled they will aggressively use their investigative powers after their midterm victories. Incoming House Oversight Committee Chair Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) has already told the administration to “lawyer up,” and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who is set to become Speaker, declared: “We’re going to bring accountability to those who have visited unprecedented corruption on this country.”
But the cost of living was a dominant issue in the midterms, with many voters expressing dissatisfaction with Trump’s handling of the economy and inflation. The launch of the Iran war contributed to soaring gas prices, which averaged $4.02 per gallon as of Sunday, according to AAA.
As Democrats prepare to take the gavel, they face a delicate balance between oversight and legislative priorities. Leadership clashes and impeachment threats could complicate their agenda, while Trump’s response to the midterm rout remains uncertain. Some Democrats are also pushing to counter Trump’s tariffs, though a veto looms. The party’s ability to deliver on kitchen-table issues will be closely watched.
