Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Friday that Democrats would launch what she called an “aggressive investigation” into President Donald Trump and his administration if they retake the House after the 2026 midterm elections.
Speaking on MSNBC’s “The Briefing” with host Jen Psaki, the New York Democrat argued that congressional oversight and legislative action could occur simultaneously. She rejected the idea that lawmakers would need to choose between investigating the administration and advancing their policy agenda.
What Ocasio-Cortez Said
Ocasio-Cortez pointed to her previous service on the House Oversight Committee during Trump’s first term as evidence Democrats could conduct thorough investigations. “I helped on the investigation of Michael Cohen at the time, which led to a record setting settlement from Attorney General Letitia James,” she said.
The congresswoman emphasized that multiple committees could lead investigations while others focused on legislation addressing housing and healthcare. “I think that it genuinely is a situation of we can walk and chew gum at the same time,” she said.
On accountability, Ocasio-Cortez stated that investigations were necessary to prevent future corruption. “There has to be accountability, and it has to be because we cannot allow this level of corruption to consume our public service and our government ever again,” she said.
The Republican Response
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had previously warned that a Democratic majority would pursue politically motivated investigations into Trump, his Cabinet members and associates. Ocasio-Cortez dismissed those concerns, saying investigations would be warranted if wrongdoing occurred.
Republicans have repeatedly characterized Democratic oversight efforts as partisan witch hunts, pointing to multiple investigations conducted during and after Trump’s first administration.
What This Means
Control of the House is expected to be heavily contested in the 2026 midterms. Should Democrats win the majority, committee chairmanships would shift to Democratic lawmakers, granting them subpoena power and authority to launch investigations into the Trump administration.
Friday’s remarks represented one of the clearest indications that aggressive oversight of Trump would be a top priority for Ocasio-Cortez and other Democrats if voters give the party control of the chamber.
This story has been updated. CNN’s political team contributed to this report.
