Democrats Plan Probes into Elon Musk and Stephen Miller After Midterms

Following the recent midterm elections, Democrats are preparing to launch congressional investigations targeting prominent figures such as tech billionaire Elon Musk and Stephen Miller, the newly appointed White House chief of staff under President Donald Trump. These probes are expected to begin once Democrats assume control of Congress in January.

Representative Robert Garcia of California, poised to lead the influential House Oversight Committee next year, spoke on Sunday about the areas of focus for upcoming inquiries. Garcia emphasized interest in Musk's involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency's last year's dismissal of federal employees. He also highlighted Miller's central role in the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies.

"There is considerable attention, not only within our committee but across various congressional committees, to engage with Mr. Musk," Garcia told CNN's "State of the Union." He described Miller as the architect behind what he called a "horrific, unjust" immigration strategy. Miller's recent promotion to White House chief of staff, announced by President Trump on Friday, places him at the heart of major policy decisions, according to Garcia.

These immigration policies have been controversial, particularly after federal operations led to two fatalities in Minnesota. Public opinion on Trump's immigration handling has declined sharply, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll in October revealing only 37 percent approval, down from 50 percent at the start of his term.

The midterm elections marked a significant setback for Republicans, yet the administration, with Miller at the helm of its staff, is anticipated to maintain a hardline stance on immigration enforcement. Experts and officials speaking to Reuters suggest the Trump White House will likely intensify its cultural and political battles and resist concessions to a Democrat-led Congress.

In related developments, Hakeem Jeffries, set to become Speaker of the House in January, announced support for impeaching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Jeffries called Hegseth's removal essential, referring to his oversight of the unpopular Iran conflict initiated by Trump in February, which has contributed to rising gas prices. Republican Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky plans to reintroduce articles of impeachment against Hegseth soon. Jeffries told ABC's "This Week" program, "Pete Hegseth has got to go. I believe there will be incredibly strong support for that resolution."

Meanwhile, Attorney General Todd Blanche signaled readiness to counter Democratic efforts aimed at administration officials. He described threats to target allies of the Trump administration as intolerable and assured those working within the administration of legal support. "If this new incoming leadership intends to proceed with such actions, we are prepared," Blanche stated. "Anyone serving in this administration has a lawyer. That lawyer is me."

These unfolding political dynamics highlight an intensifying struggle between the incoming Democratic majority and the Trump administration. The investigations planned into figures like Elon Musk and Stephen Miller reflect broader congressional efforts to scrutinize executive actions and policy decisions from the past term. These issues come at a time when political tensions and public opinion on immigration and foreign policy remain highly charged.

The House Oversight Committee, under Garcia's leadership, is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the scope and direction of congressional inquiries. As Democrats settle into power, their approach to governance and oversight will be closely watched, especially in relation to the administration's controversial policies and key personnel.