Incoming House Oversight Chair Robert Garcia Responds to White House Warning

Rep. Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California and the upcoming chair of the House Oversight Committee, has expressed determination to continue investigations into President Trump’s administration. This statement comes despite a recent warning from the White House, suggesting some actions might constitute criminal conduct.

Garcia stated, “We’re not going to be deterred, and we’re certainly not going to be intimidated by Donald Trump or anyone in the administration,” during an interview on NPR’s Morning Edition. This was in response to a letter from White House counsel Will Scharf, which accused Democrats of making “abusive and capricious threats” regarding their investigative intents.

In the letter, dated Monday and revealed to the public on Wednesday, Scharf warned that actions against executive branch officials or efforts to intimidate through congressional proceedings could verge into “blatant criminality.” The warning aligns with ongoing statements from the administration, including Trump’s calls for Democrat lawmakers to face jail time and Attorney General Todd Blanche’s stance on investigations and prosecutions.

Garcia emphasized that a key aim of the committee would be to look into alleged corruption involving Trump’s family. He cited concerns over a $2 billion Saudi investment in a company managed by Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Additional probes could focus on former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and former DHS adviser Corey Lewandowski concerning reported pay-to-play schemes.

“Our job is to investigate, to take issues to the courts, to make criminal referrals, and to write good legislation so that this kind of corruption doesn’t happen again,” Garcia stated.

He also noted that the Democrats will maintain their pursuit of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s impeachment. Hegseth faces allegations related to civilian casualties at sea, fund misappropriation, and unauthorized military actions. Garcia mentioned, “I expect that the issue around impeachment hasn’t ended.”

The radio interview was edited by Alice Woelfle, and the text by Suzanne Nuyen.