Republicans issue urgent 3-point defense plan ahead of Democratic probes into Trump

With Democrats poised to control both chambers of Congress next year and threatening sweeping investigations into the Donald Trump administration and his family, Republicans have moved quickly to activate what they are calling a "Trump defense plan." The party has coalesced around the view that it must use its remaining time as the House majority to mount the strongest possible defense — making it the top priority to map out the scope and targets of Democratic probes and assess the potential impact of key documents.

According to Fox News, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise sent a letter to sitting committee chairs on Thursday (local time), urging them to "make the most of the days we have left in power to prepare for what is coming." The phrase refers to sweeping, Democrat-led investigations expected in the new Congress next year. The directive instructs chairs to deploy every tool at their disposal before the new congressional term begins and Republicans lose their majority.

"House Democrats have signaled their intent to impeach President Trump, but they won't stop there," Scalise wrote. "They will weaponize every chairmanship to satisfy their radical base." He added: "They will use their oversight powers to harass the president, his family and cabinet officials, and to undermine our allies. Each of you will be a critical line of defense in this fight."

Scalise laid out three directives in the letter: identifying investigations Democrats are currently conducting or are likely to pursue; determining who is on the Democratic target list; and reviewing how a recent Supreme Court ruling and a Justice Department memo on executive privilege could affect future investigations.

Scalise anticipated that Democratic probes could extend to "administration officials, programs and authorities, and outside allies — including conservative partners and industry leaders." He added that his staff would meet with relevant committees and other stakeholders to continue preparations.

"Please let me know if there are additional tools or support you need from me as you undertake this important work," he wrote. "I am fully confident that we will be effective in fighting back as one team."

Democrats have signaled broad investigations targeting Trump's cabinet, family, businesses and allies. Reports indicate that those named as potential subjects include Trump's eldest son Donald Trump Jr., the Trump family business, son-in-law Jared Kushner, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.

Meanwhile, a Democratic spokesperson for the House Judiciary Committee responded to Scalise's letter, saying it sounded like "Scalise is asking his fellow Republicans to compile a list of all the corruption, lawbreaking and abuses of power they've been shielding from congressional oversight." The spokesperson warned: "But the American people have spoken. The cover-up ends with the Republican majority. The era of a spineless Congress rolling over is finished."