Legal experts predict that Democrats will launch aggressive investigations into President Donald Trump's corruption and abuses of power if they win the House majority in the 2026 midterm elections. The scandals, described as 'target rich' by critics, include a proposed $1.8bn slush fund for allies, weaponization of the Department of Justice (DOJ), and lucrative cryptocurrency ventures.
Key Scandals Under Scrutiny
Among the most controversial issues is Trump's $1.8bn 'anti-weaponization' fund intended to aid 'Maga' allies charged with crimes and deter IRS investigations into his taxes. Legal experts call the fund 'criminal conduct.' Additionally, Trump has been accused of using the DOJ to prosecute political enemies while protecting associates, and profiting from cryptocurrency policies that earned him $1.4bn in 2025.
Democratic Investigations Already Underway
Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, has already launched inquiries into Trump's actions. 'The political and financial corruption driving the Trump presidency is a civic emergency,' Raskin said in a statement. He cited investigations into the slush fund, DOJ weaponization, the Epstein cover-up, emoluments violations, and public resource theft.
If Democrats win the House, Raskin promised more aggressive moves: 'With control of the House, we can call hearings, conduct depositions, use subpoenas to compel the appearance of witnesses and the production of documents, and pass bills that root out corruption.'
Legal Experts Weigh In
Former White House counsel Ty Cobb called Trump's corruption 'one of a kind,' comparing it to 'Fort Knox versus a child's piggy bank.' He urged investigations into Trump's stock trades, a Qatari plane gift, and UAE investments in his crypto venture. 'There's no way to discuss the slush fund as anything but criminal conduct,' Cobb said.
Former US attorney Barbara McQuade highlighted emoluments, donations for Trump's ballroom, and DOJ abuse as ripe for scrutiny. 'The constitution requires the president to take care that the laws be faithfully executed. Weaponizing the legal system for political gain betrays that duty,' she said.
Trump's Defenses and Risks
Trump and the White House deny conflicts of interest, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that 'neither the president nor his family have ever engaged or will ever engage in conflicts of interest.' Trump himself attributed his profits to a rising stock market.
At a Republican retreat in January, Trump acknowledged the stakes: 'You gotta win the midterms, because if we don't win the midterms, it's just gonna be … I mean, they'll find a reason to impeach me.'
Challenges Ahead
Former DOJ inspector general Michael Bromwich warned that the administration might refuse to cooperate with oversight. 'One major question is whether this administration will shatter yet another norm – and simply refuse to submit to congressional oversight,' he said. Harvard professor Steven Levitsky added that while Trump's actions constitute 'large-scale attacks on the constitution,' some Democrats may be hesitant to pursue hardball tactics.
