Sen. Bernie Sanders said Democrats must hold President Donald Trump accountable after taking control of the House and Senate in January, but warned the party not to spend excessive time probing the president and his allies. He emphasized that investigations should target alleged corruption and illegal activity while prioritizing affordability and working‑class families.
Sanders Warns Democrats: Hold Trump Accountable, Focus on Affordability
Asked by NBC’s Kristen Welker whether a two‑year probe could jeopardize the mandate to lower prices, Sanders answered, ‘Yes, I do.’ He warned that prolonged investigations risk diverting focus from urgent domestic issues.
Sanders said the nation faces the highest childhood poverty rate among major countries, with 20% of seniors surviving on $15,000 a year. He warned that focusing on Trump would ignore existential threats from AI, privacy erosion, and health impacts driven by billionaire Elon Musk.
Democrats campaigned on affordability, blaming the Trump administration for soaring gas, grocery, housing and healthcare costs. They linked price spikes to the U.S. war on Iran and Trump’s tariffs.
National gasoline prices averaged $4.02 per gallon, nearly $1 higher than a year ago. AAA reported the increase on Sunday.
With Democrats now controlling both chambers, incoming House Oversight Chair Robert Garcia pledged to use subpoenas to investigate Trump’s pardons. He said allies such as tech executive Elon Musk and Chief of Staff Stephen Miller are also in the crosshairs.
Garcia warned Democrats are ‘ready to take on the crooks, the con men, and the Trump crime family.’ He added, ‘Lawyer up.’
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats will bring accountability to those who have enriched themselves at the public’s expense. He pledged to put the American people first.
Sanders said the election reflected a demand for real change, not tinkering, as voters worry about long hours, childcare, unaffordable healthcare and housing. He emphasized that the wealthiest have never fared better.
He described Trump as mentally unbalanced and erratic but not stupid, a good politician who might support raising the minimum wage to a living wage and guaranteeing universal healthcare, noting, ‘Maybe we can work with Trump.’ He also said Trump could back universal healthcare, noting, ‘Maybe we can work with Trump.’
