"If Democrats win the House in November, they plan to keep hammering on the Epstein files because the issue divides Republicans and "makes Trump crazy," a top insider tells us.
Why it matters: In the majority, Democratic committee chairs would hold subpoena power. We're told they plan to make President Trump's family finances one of their top targets, to contrast average Americans' finances with this term's gusher for Trump, his relatives and allies.
These are the chairs-in-waiting for six of the most powerful House committees, and the control they could exert over CEOs and other business leaders:
1. Oversight and Government Reform: Robert Garcia (Calif.)
Garcia would go hard on corruption and self-dealing among Trump allies. He wants to make their lives hell. No committee matters more if Dems win.
Why you should care: If you've done any business with the administration, this is your top reputational risk. The Oversight chair can drag you to Capitol Hill to make you answer for it. Trump can and will pardon his family but not you and your company.
2. Energy and Commerce: Frank Pallone (N.J.)
Pallone would have jurisdiction over issues ranging from algorithmic pricing to children's safety online. He's out front on data centers, calling for a national moratorium.
Why you should care: He'll grill you on the topics really p@issing people off right now. Consider him the guy building the data center case for the Dems' nominee in '28.
Anyone who made deals with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his agencies should lawyer up, and lobbyist up, too.
3. Ways and Means: Richard "Richie" Neal (Mass.)
Neal's committee room will be the place in Washington most eager to discuss corporate tax rates and Trump's tariffs.
Why you should care: Expect him to use his bully pulpit to push companies on paying their fair share to the IRS. This is where the '28 tax debate begins.
4. Appropriations: Rosa DeLauro (Conn.)
DeLauro, 83, wants to make Trump answer for every penny he's spent and withheld.
Why you should care: Organizations that rely on government funding including contracts, grants, research dollars could get pulled into a Hill hearing.
5. Financial Services: Maxine Waters (Calif.)
Waters, who will turn 88 next month, would dig into who was in the loop when it came to pulling back enforcement on topics like crypto.
Why you should care: If your industry benefited from the lax financial oversight of the past couple of years, you risk becoming tied to that narrative, especially if you talked to Trump officials about it.
6. Judiciary: Jamie Raskin (Md.)
He's been a leading antitrust voice and has slammed the Trump administration's role in Paramount Skydance's takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Why you should care: If you're pursuing a big merger and the president feels like getting involved, Raskin's committee would become one big headache."
Axios
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