Washington:White House counsel William Scharf has issued a formal warning to incoming House Oversight Chair Robert Garcia concerning the potential misuse of subpoenas against Trump administration officials. The letter, released on Wednesday, cautions that these subpoenas might face legal challenges and provoke counter-investigations.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Scharf warned that the threats of subpoenas and public statements from lawmakers suggest that any forthcoming investigations might be used to harass rather than serve legitimate legislative purposes. He referenced U.S. Supreme Court rulings to underline that congressional investigative power should aid legislation, not function as a tool for criminal prosecution or retribution.

Scharf emphasized that using compulsory processes to intimidate officials could potentially cross into criminality, prompting executive scrutiny on constitutional grounds. He also pointed out that statements from Democratic lawmakers, likening subpoenas to "candy" and "Mardi Gras beads," indicate a lack of legislative intent.

In his letter to Garcia, Scharf accused the California representative of malice, mentioning Garcia's "LAWYER UP" campaign and efforts to collaborate with state attorneys general to prosecute administration officials. The White House counsel affirmed that the Trump administration would not yield to what he termed "unlawful" pressure and would resist partisan-driven inquiries.

Garcia countered the White House's warnings, claiming that the administration aims to evade scrutiny and asserting that congressional investigative authority stems from Article I of the Constitution. He suggested that Trump might have something to hide and insisted that Congress, as a coequal branch of government, will continue its oversight duties.

Democrats, having secured majorities in the House and Senate during the November 3 midterm elections, have pledged to enforce congressional oversight and hold administration officials accountable.