As the November elections approach, some Democratic lawmakers are already strategizing for an aggressive series of investigations into President Donald Trump and his affiliates. On a recent segment of MS NOW, political analysts Susan Glasser and Peter Baker discussed how Trump’s grip on power might weaken and his likely responses to increased scrutiny.

This week, the Washington Post reported conversations with several Democratic representatives outlining their intentions should they gain control of the House. Investigations targeting how Trump and his family have monetized their political influence are at the forefront of their plans. Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) emphasized the need for thorough investigations, saying, “There’s so much corruption and grift that it’s going to take the entire House on the Democratic side to do investigations appropriately.”

Among the key areas of focus is the natural resources sector, where Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) is determined to uncover the details surrounding the lucrative deals that Trump’s allies have secured, particularly in mining and energy sectors.

Democrats also plan to scrutinize President Trump’s management of government properties, citing issues like his handling of the Kennedy Center—potentially detrimental decisions that have led to significant financial troubles—and the “botched” restoration of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) has already initiated requests for documentation to investigate these matters further, as the party anticipates harnessing their majority to conduct substantial oversight on Trump’s administration.

Even within Republican ranks, there’s a push for investigations into alleged misconduct at the Department of Homeland Security, specifically under Secretary Kristi Noem. Democrats now plan to broaden this inquiry to include various missteps attributed to Secretary Markwayne Mullin.

Co-host Eugene Daniels noted that Trump still possesses two years in office, raising questions about what actions he may take if faced with accountability. There is speculation that he might use presidential pardons to shield his administration from potential charges related to corruption or mismanagement.

Glasser cautioned viewers that Trump is not the type to minimize his engagements in the face of impending defeat. “He has a long history of escalating,” she remarked, referencing how he handled pushback in the past. “If somebody punches you, punch back harder—this is his motto.”

She pointed to Trump’s volatile reaction to the Republicans’ loss in the 2018 midterms, recalling how he swiftly fired his attorney general in the wake of their defeat, which led to a historic government shutdown.

This time, if both the House and Senate pivot to Democratic control, the dynamics could shift dramatically. A budget bill passed through reconciliation could be vetoed by Trump, forcing him to take responsibility for any resulting government shutdown.

Glasser further indicated that Trump has given signals he will not accept a midterm defeat quietly. “The polls suggest Republicans face challenges, but that doesn’t mean Trump will meekly declare defeat as others have in the past,” she said.

Trump’s potential escalation is a significant concern for Democrats preparing for investigations. They anticipate utilizing public inquiries to develop legislation aimed at preventing corruption and enforcing accountability among government officials.

The prospect of heightened investigations adds an intense layer of drama to the upcoming elections, with Trump’s supporters and critics alike bracing for upheaval regardless of the election’s outcome.

Amid all this, Trump appears resolute and ready to contend. His long-standing pattern of aggressive responses to perceived threats hints at a turbulent political landscape ahead.

As November looms, the stakes for both parties are increasingly high. With Democrats ambitious for accountability and Trump demonstrating an unyielding facade, the political arena is set for an explosive few months.

Ultimately, how Trump reacts to potential investigations may shape not only his presidency but could also influence the broader political tide in the United States for years to come, making the upcoming election a pivotal moment in American politics.

As both sides prepare for battle, the coming months will undoubtedly reveal whether Trump’s strategy of “punching back harder” will serve him in the face of intensified scrutiny from Democrats.