The White House has warned incoming Democratic congressional leaders that their planned oversight investigations into the Trump administration risk crossing constitutional boundaries and could amount to criminal conduct.

White House counsel Will Scharf sent the letter Monday to Rep. Robert Garcia, the California Democrat set to chair the House Oversight Committee when Democrats assume the majority in January. The letter was made public Wednesday.

Scharf stated that the administration is monitoring "abusive and capricious threats" from Democrats who seek to "abuse the legislative process to intimidate and to interfere with the lawful functioning of government." He argued that congressional investigations must serve a legitimate legislative purpose and that threats or processes designed merely to harass or instill fear may cross into "blatant criminality."

The letter cited recent Democratic statements promising aggressive probes, including subpoenas targeting administration officials. Scharf noted that compulsory process exists only for oversight functions and that indiscriminate issuance of subpoenas could warrant further executive branch investigation.

Garcia responded that it appears President Trump "has something to hide" and emphasized that Congress does not require White House permission to conduct oversight. He said Congress possesses wide latitude for investigations inherent in its legislative power.

The exchange follows Democratic gains in last week's midterm elections, giving the party control of both chambers starting in January. Democrats have outlined plans to examine Trump family business dealings, administration operations, and other matters.

President Trump has previously suggested Democrats could face consequences for aggressive investigative postures. The letter marks an escalation in tensions between the executive branch and the incoming Democratic majority.