Democrats are preparing a series of congressional investigations into major US companies that cultivated close relationships with President Donald Trump, putting some of America's most powerful corporate executives on alert after the party's victories in the November midterm elections.
With Democrats set to control both chambers of Congress, the proposed inquiries could bring technology companies, defence contractors and financial institutions under scrutiny. According to The Washington Post, Democratic lawmakers are drawing up plans to examine corporate activities during Trump's second term, particularly where business interests intersected with government decisions.
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Apple, Meta and businesses linked to Elon Musk are among the potential targets. Apple's decision to host applications that track US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities could come under examination.
Lawmakers may also question Meta over reports that it required local governments to sign nondisclosure agreements during data-centre development.
Musk's companies could face a different line of questioning. Democrats are reportedly interested in the reported use of his Grok AI chatbot in connection with Trump's planning of the military operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Corporate contributions to Trump's proposed White House ballroom have also attracted attention. Apple and Nvidia each pledged $25 million towards the project, which received $333 million in private donations. Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Palantir, Lockheed Martin and BlackRock were among the other reported contributors.
The scrutiny has already moved beyond preliminary discussions. On November 5, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal sought donation-related records from several companies and warned that subpoenas could follow in January.
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Democrats are also examining government contracts involving businesses connected to Donald Trump Jr.'s investment firm, 1789 Capital, and companies associated with Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The prospect of further investigations has prompted some executives to seek legal advice and reassess their relationships in Washington. Several startups are also reportedly trying to secure funding ahead of potential disruption to government contracts and spending.
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