Trump orders Department of Justice to investigate Democrats over alleged "threats to people"

President Donald Trump on Saturday ordered the U.S. Department of Justice to open investigations into Democratic politicians, saying they "threaten many people" with impeachment and other punishments. In a post on social media he added that their actions amounted to "a criminal offense," but he did not present evidence to support the claim.

Political shift in Congress sets stage for oversight

Democratic candidates decisively beat Republicans in Tuesday's congressional elections, and the party will assume control of Congress in January. Party leaders have said they will step up oversight of the executive branch, holding hearings and launching inquiries into the actions of the Trump administration.

In his post, Trump accused Democrats of sending "threatening letters to many people, all of whom are innocent." He framed those communications as part of a broader pattern he described as criminal, but offered no documentation or examples in his message.

Democratic leaders have repeatedly promised wide-ranging investigations into a potential second term for Trump; after winning control of Congress in this week's elections they reaffirmed those plans and said oversight would be a priority.

Representative Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California who is expected to chair the House Oversight Committee in the next Congress, issued a brief statement on Tuesday telling those targeted to "Get a lawyer."

The Department of Justice has previously investigated Slotkin, a former analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Slotkin was among a group of Democratic lawmakers with national security experience who came under review after releasing a video urging service members and intelligence personnel not to carry out unlawful orders; a grand jury later declined to move forward with indictments against them.

Photo: press material from the event