Senator Bernie Sanders has advised fellow Democrats to focus on economic issues and supporting working-class families, even as they pursue accountability for the previous presidential administration. Speaking on NBC News' "Meet the Press," the independent senator from Vermont acknowledged the importance of investigating alleged corruption and illegal activities by officials from the Trump administration but underscored that the party's primary objective should be tackling the high cost of living and bolstering support for ordinary Americans.
When asked by host Kristen Welker if a two-year period dedicated to scrutinizing the former president and his associates might detract from the mandate to reduce prices and enhance affordability, Sanders unequivocally responded, "Yes, I do."
Balancing Accountability with Economic Priorities
"Do we want to hold the Trump administration accountable for their corruption, for their illegal, unconstitutional actions? Absolutely," Sanders stated. However, he stressed that Democrats "cannot spend all of our time investigating Trump."
At the end of the day, when you’ve got the highest rate of childhood poverty in America, of any major country, when 20% of our seniors are trying to survive on $15,000 a year, when people are scared to death that Elon Musk and the other billionaires are pushing AI down our throats with cataclysmic impacts on the economy, our privacy rights, on our health, and — and imposing an existential threat to humanity, we cannot spend all of our time investigating Trump. We’ve got to stand up for working-class families, make a real difference in their lives.
During the recent midterm elections, Democratic candidates frequently highlighted issues of affordability, attributing rising costs for necessities like gas, groceries, housing, and healthcare to policies enacted by the previous administration. Candidates also linked these economic pressures, in part, to certain international engagements and trade policies, such as tariffs. Fuel prices, for instance, have seen significant increases, with the national average for gasoline reaching $4.02 per gallon as of a recent Sunday, nearly $1 higher than the previous year, according to data from AAA.
Democrats Signal Intent for Investigations
Despite Sanders' counsel, several Democrats, having secured majorities in both congressional chambers, have indicated plans to utilize subpoena power and launch inquiries into current and former Trump administration officials once the new session begins.
Incoming House Oversight Committee leader, Representative Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), suggested on Sunday that Democrats might investigate pardons issued by the former president, as well as associates including technology executive Elon Musk and former White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. Garcia had previously stated last week that Oversight Democrats were "ready to take on the crooks, the con men, and the Trump crime family." He added a direct warning: "Lawyer up."
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), who is anticipated to become the next House Speaker, also affirmed last week that Democrats intend to "bring accountability to those who have visited unprecedented corruption on this country." Jeffries elaborated, "Because if you have people in high office who are so focused on enriching themselves, their family members, their friends or their donors, then they’re not focused on making life better for the American people. But House Democrats will put the American people first."
The Election's Deeper Message: Demands for Change
Sanders articulated his perspective on the recent election results, suggesting they reflected more than just a desire to halt the previous administration's policies. "What I think this election was about, is the American people not only expressing disgust with Trump and his policies, but are demanding real change, no more tinkering around the edges," Sanders asserted. He continued:
And what the American people are saying: 'Look, we are working long hours. We’re worried about our kids. We can’t afford healthcare. We can’t afford housing. Meanwhile, the wealthiest people in America have never, ever had it so good.' And right now is the moment where the Democrats have got to stand up to big money, create an economy and a government that works for all of us.
Sanders' Assessment of Trump and Potential for Collaboration
The Vermont senator also characterized the former president as "mentally unbalanced" and "erratic" but conceded that he is "a good politician" and "not stupid." Sanders even suggested a potential for collaboration with the former president on economic and healthcare initiatives.
Trump is many things. I personally believe he is mentally unbalanced, erratic, but he’s not stupid, and he is a good politician. And I think, when Trump looks out in the world and he sees millions of people working for starvation wages, he might not be unsympathetic to raising the minimum wage to a living wage. He would love, I think, to take credit for doing what every other major country does, guaranteeing healthcare to all people. Do I think we can work with Trump? Maybe. I’m, by no means, guaranteeing it. But it is certainly worth the effort.
