Trump orders Justice Department to investigate Democrats over alleged threats

Donald Trump ordered the Justice Department to investigate Democrats over what he called threats against government officials and Republican supporters.

The dispute follows the midterm elections, in which Democrats won control of Congress, taking over in January.

Democratic leaders have said they will use their new majorities to hold hearings and investigate actions by Trump’s administration.

Trump described possible impeachment and other penalties as criminal threats, but did not provide evidence of a crime.

He singled out Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin over comments about investigating people who enabled Trump’s policies; Slotkin said Republicans misrepresented her remarks.

Democrats have also discussed inquiries into Republican donors and companies, including those linked to a White House ballroom project.

The Justice Department’s next steps were not specified, while a previous effort to indict Slotkin and other Democratic lawmakers was rejected by a grand jury.