The Limits to Democratic Actions Against Trump

With the House of Representatives now under Democratic control and the gavel in Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s hands, some of President Trump’s critics are eagerly anticipating a surge of congressional investigations.

Democratic leaders have promised to scrutinize a host of issues, including Mr. Trump’s ties to foreign governments, his administration’s child separation policy, possible violations of campaign finance regulations and ethical lapses by his cabinet.

But some of the more extreme or coveted goals of Mr. Trump’s critics may not be imminent or even feasible. Here’s what Congress can — and cannot — do to investigate.

Impeaching the President

Impeachment clearly resonates with a majority of Democratic voters, and with some more zealous members of Congress. Democratic leaders, however, have been more cautious. Ms. Pelosi on Friday called impeachment “divisive” and suggested that dissatisfied voters should look to remove Mr. Trump in an election, rather than by impeachment.