The White House has issued a strong response to Democrats who are planning to launch investigations into the Trump administration once they assume control of Congress in January. White House Counsel Will Scharf sent a letter to incoming House Oversight Chairman Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., asserting that the administration "will not be extorted and will not be cowed."
Scharf's correspondence outlines what he described as constitutional "limits" on congressional investigations and subpoenas. He emphasized that such powers can only be utilized for legislative purposes and not for "criminal persecution."
Democrats have indicated they intend to issue numerous subpoenas targeting administration officials and the first family. Some newly elected lawmakers have suggested that criminal charges could follow these investigations.
The letter from Scharf signals an aggressive defense strategy expected from the White House, reportedly under the direction of new Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Scharf also wrote that "threats to executive branch officials designed to deter them from public service, or process designed merely to abuse or instill fear in the recipient may cross the line into blatant criminality." He added that "issuing unlawful subpoenas with the intention of depriving citizens of their constitutional rights and privileges may warrant further investigation."