Democrats who told you their ‘primary concern’ heading into the midterm elections were the issues of “costs” and “affordability.” I knew they were lying; they’ve never been interested in solving those problems. And based on what the party’s leaders are saying, they still aren’t.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed Wednesday that Democrats intend to investigate President Donald Trump after capturing control of Congress in Tuesday’s midterms. Schumer, who is positioned to become Senate majority leader in January, discussed the party’s priorities during an appearance on MS NOW’s “Morning Joe.”
The New York Democrat said lowering Americans’ living costs would remain the party’s top priority while making clear that investigations are also coming. “The number one focus for us is what the American people would tell us is number one, costs,” Schumer fibbed.
Asked specifically how Democrats would balance policy with accountability, Schumer said the party would pursue both. “Should we investigate? Yes,” Schumer said before accusing Trump of corruption and arguing that voters expect Democrats to exercise congressional oversight.
Chuck Schumer is asked "How do you balance policy with accountability" on Morning Joe:
Number one focus is costs
Should we investigate? Yes. Trump is the most corrupt President we have ever had by a lot, and Americans don’t like that. So we have to pay some attention to that https://t.co/sNfI4IPrRV
— Clipping Wings (@ClippingWings) November 4, 2026
Schumer’s corruption allegation is a political characterization, not a legal finding, and Trump has repeatedly rejected Democratic accusations against him. The comments provided another preview of the investigative battles likely to dominate Washington once Democrats assume control of the House and Senate.
Democrats’ congressional victories will give the party control of committees, subpoena authority and oversight powers it lacked during Trump’s first two years back in office. Potential Senate investigations could examine the Justice Department, Department of Homeland Security and the business interests of Trump and his family.
House Democrats have separately discussed investigations involving immigration enforcement, administration officials and other actions taken during Trump’s second term.
Several Democrats celebrated their new authority immediately after Tuesday’s results became clear. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., posted a one-word message on social media following the Democratic victory: “Subpoenas.” Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., who is positioned for a prominent House oversight role, delivered an equally terse warning: “LAWYER UP.”
Democrats ultimately captured at least 54 Senate seats, including independents who caucus with them, with two races still unresolved Wednesday afternoon. Their victories included Republican-held seats in Iowa, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas, while Kansas elected its first Democratic senator in decades.
Schumer described the results as a “generational remake of the Senate map” and declared that “relief is on the way” for voters. Whether Democrats can enact their economic agenda remains another question because Trump retains the presidential veto and Republicans still hold substantial Senate leverage.
Most legislation requires 60 Senate votes to overcome a filibuster, while overriding a presidential veto requires two-thirds support in both congressional chambers. Trump previously said he could become “Mr. Veto” if Democrats captured Congress, although he softened that message following Tuesday’s Republican losses.
The president said Wednesday that he was willing to negotiate rather than spend the next two years rejecting every Democratic bill. Schumer similarly suggested Democrats could work with Trump when their priorities overlap but warned that congressional oversight would return under Democratic control.
