“Criminal act” – Trump orders DOJ probe of Democrats over impeachment threats

Trump wants the Justice Department to look into Democrats over what he calls “threatening” letters and impeachment talk, a day after his party lost control of Congress.

President Donald Trump has ordered the US Justice Department to look into Democrats for “threatening a lot of people” with impeachment and other forms of punishment, saying their actions amount to a “criminal act,” Reuters reports.

Trump made the demand in a social media post on Saturday, without providing evidence. He accused Democrats of sending “threatening letters to many people, all innocent.”

Democrats won control of Congress in Tuesday’s midterm elections, starting in January. Party leaders have promised to reassert oversight of the executive branch through hearings and investigations. Members of Congress have released letters seeking documents on matters including tech company donations for Trump’s White House ballroom.

Trump’s post also referred to Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, who suggested last month that Congress should investigate people who have enabled Trump’s policies. “I want that deterrence message sent,” she said. Republican Senator Mike Lee accused her of threatening young people, and she said he had lied about her comments.

The Justice Department and Slotkin did not immediately respond to requests for comment.