Democrats plan investigations if they win

Democrats in Congress are preparing investigations if they win House or Senate control in next week's midterm elections. Success would give them power to issue subpoenas and launch probes early next year.

Target one: Trump family finances

Democrats plan to investigate lucrative deals by the Trump family's business empire, including ties to cryptocurrency firms and Jared Kushner's international business dealings.

Trump gifts and defence contracts

Investigations could examine the four hundred million dollar aircraft gifted by Qatar to serve as Air Force One and multimillion-dollar defence contracts awarded to firms linked to the Trump family.

Subramanyam on corruption concerns

Virginia Democratic Representative Suhas Subramanyam told the BBC: "We want to make sure that taxpayer dollars are being used wisely and not being stolen or pocketed because of corruption."

“We want to make sure that [American] taxpayer dollars are being used wisely and not being stolen or pocketed because of corruption.”

White House denies wrongdoing

The White House has repeatedly denied allegations of corruption. Spokesperson Olivia Wales said Democrats have no agenda to improve American lives, only plans to obstruct and baselessly target the president's agenda.

Target two: Hegseth and the Iran war

Democrats vow to investigate Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's handling of the war with Iran that began in February, including civilian casualties, munitions shortfalls, spending and claims of poorly prepared troops.

Hegseth impeachment articles filed

In April, a group of House Democrats filed rare articles of impeachment against Hegseth, citing the war in Iran and accusing him of high crimes and misdemeanours.

War authorisation never granted

Richard Painter, former chief White House ethics lawyer under George W Bush, told the BBC the war should face scrutiny. "This war was never authorised by the United States Congress," he said.

“This war was never authorised by the United States Congress, and I don't care who the secretary of defence is.”

Target three: ICE raids and misconduct

Senior Democrats including Robert Garcia have identified immigration enforcement as a key priority, examining allegations of misconduct by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during raids across the country.

Democrats face political tightrope

Recent polls show many Americans, including Trump supporters, are uncomfortable with ICE tactics used this year. Democrats must balance opposing ICE tactics while not appearing to dismiss broader immigration concerns.

Target four: Third Trump impeachment

Democrats are split on attempting to impeach Trump for a third time. Some like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez support it, citing an unauthorised Iran war. Others argue removal is unlikely in the Senate.

Subramanyam: inaction has long costs

Suhas Subramanyam said: "If we do not do something because we are scared of the optics, or we don't think it will be successful, or they stonewall us, that will be bad.

“If we do not do something because we are scared of the optics, or we don't think it will be successful, or they stonewall us, that will be bad. Not just for the next two years, but for the next 20 years.”