Trump orders DOJ to investigate Democrats
The gist
Trump ordered the DOJ to investigate Democratic leaders over alleged threats, calling it "extortion at the highest level."
Democrats take Congress in January, so the order lands as oversight power shifts.
How it unfolded
- Nov 14, 2025Trump directed the DOJ and FBI to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's involvement with Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, J.P. Morgan and Chase; Attorney General Pam Bondi agreed and tapped US Attorney Jay Clayton to lead it.
- Nov 20, 2025Trump called a video in which Slotkin and other Democratic leaders urged the military to "refuse illegal orders" treason and said "an example must be set."
- Jan 2026The DOJ launched an investigation into Slotkin and other Democratic lawmakers who participated in the video.
Key terms
- DOJ
- Executive department of the U.S. federal government that enforces federal laws and administers justice.
- midterm elections
- US general elections held near the midpoint of a president's four-year term, when all House seats and about a third of Senate seats are contested.
- grand jury
- A jury empowered by law to investigate potential crimes and decide whether criminal charges should be brought.
Source: Wikipedia