The US Justice Department was directed by President Donald Trump to look into Democrats for going around threatening people including Attorney General Todd Blanche with impeachment and other forms of punishment.
It comes days after Democratic candidates routed their Republican rivals in the midterms and successfully flipped the two chambers, reiterating plans to reassert Congress' oversight of the executive branch.
Some lawmakers released copies of letters seeking documents on tech company donations for the White House ballroom under construction, among other matters.
Trump describes the alleged threats as "extortion at the highest level," without providing evidence, and claims the legal intimidation amounts to what he calls a "criminal act."
He also singles out Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan.
The former CIA analyst has defended calls for investigations into people who have enabled Trump's policies.
Slotkin responds by saying the issue shouldn't be controversial.
"If you break the law or use taxpayer dollars to enrich yourself, you should be held accountable," Slotkin adds.
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{Trump urges US Justice Department probe into alleged Democratic threats}
