WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Justice Department on Saturday to investigate congressional Democrats, accusing them of “threatening a lot of people” with impeachment and other forms of punishment.
The directive follows midterm elections that handed Democrats control of Congress, with party leaders pledging to launch rigorous oversight hearings and investigations into the executive branch.
In a social media post, Trump alleged that Democrats had sent intimidating letters to innocent individuals, characterizing their actions as a “criminal act” without presenting evidence.
“Threatening letters have been sent to many people, all innocent, from Democrat Political Leaders. By copy of this statement, I am ordering the Department of Justice to look into this criminal act, immediately!” Trump wrote.
Trump specifically highlighted comments made last month by Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan at the University of Chicago. Slotkin had spoken about deterring young professionals from participating in an administration whose policies they might oppose:
“I want young people coming out of school to say, ‘Should I go work for the Trump administration?’ … I want them to be like, ‘Lord, that might be buying myself a ton of problems that I don’t want. And so I might avoid participating in that,'” Slotkin said. “I want that deterrence message sent.”
Slotkin’s remarks drew swift condemnation from Republicans, including Senator Mike Lee of Utah, who argued she was threatening prospective public servants.
Slotkin countered that her critics were manufacturing outrage, defending her position on Saturday by emphasizing accountability:
“If you break the law or use taxpayer dollars to enrich yourself, you should be held accountable. If you didn’t break the law, then it’s all good,” she posted.
The Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the president’s directive.