DEMS/HOUSE OF REPS/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT/TRUMP BUSINESS: “Democrats still have two weeks until they take control of the House, but a top Democratic investigator is already putting President Donald Trump on notice. Incoming House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings on Wednesday [12-19-18] sent more than 50 letters to multiple agencies and departments as well as the Trump Organization and Trump’s personal attorneys requesting documents on a series of scandals that have plagued the White House. The Maryland Democrat is asking for more information on the administration’s handling of hurricanes Irma and Maria, Trump’s controversial family separation policy at the border, the White House decision to revoke the security clearances of high ranking former officials who became Trump critics, and more. While the documents are not subpoenas, Cummings’ letters lay the groundwork for a much more aggressive oversight of the executive branch in the next two years. Democrats have long complained that House Republicans have turned a blind eye to allegations of misconduct, misuse of official funds and other alleged conflicts of interest. Cummings, a veteran of oversight battles, is planning to hold the administration’s feet to the fire.”
–Rachael Bade and John Bresnahan, “Cummings puts Trump on notice for wave of investigations,” Politico, December 19, 2018 11:31 am