Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) has officially thrown her hat into the ring for the ranking member position on the powerful House Oversight Committee, adding another layer of intrigue to an already competitive race.
The 44-year-old’s entry intensifies an inter-generational battle for leadership among House Democrats and comes with a clear declaration: if she secures the position, she will launch an impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
The seat became vacant last month following the death of 75-year-old Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.). Crockett joins interim ranking member Stephen Lynch (D-Va.), 70, and Representatives Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), 47, and Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.), 76, in the contest for the role.
READ: Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett: I’d Take ‘Mentally Deficient’ Biden Over Trump Any Day
In a letter, Crockett embraced her public persona as a “high-profile brawler adept at gaining media attention.”
She emphasized that “Every hearing, every investigation, every public moment must serve the dual purpose of accountability and must demonstrate why a House Democratic majority is essential for America’s future.”
Her objective, she stated, is to “elevate each of our members and coordinate our efforts with leadership as we gear up to retake the House Majority.”
Crockett solidified her intentions regarding President Donald Trump on “Inside Texas Politics,” stating, “I would absolutely at least do an inquiry. Absolutely. I mean, I think that there’s more than enough to inquire about.”
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She outlined potential targets for investigation, including Elon Musk’s dealings with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Trump’s alleged pressure on institutions like Harvard, and his past interactions with law firms. She cited instances of inspector generals investigating Musk’s firings and alleged pressure on companies like Verizon regarding diversity initiatives.
Crockett also accused Trump of attempting to “pull back resources from the likes of Harvard” and “shaking down so many of these law firms for free legal fees,” asserting that “History needs to know the truth.”
Crockett believes that President Donald Trump’s public criticisms, including calling her a “low-IQ person,” are indicative of her growing influence. She told former CNN host Jim Acosta that she believes Trump is “listening to the polling” and cited instances of Republicans privately expressing admiration for her “fighting for the people.”
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As she actively campaigns among her Democratic colleagues for the Oversight Committee leadership, Crockett recently expressed confidence to MSNBC that Democrats will retake the House. Should this occur, she is prepared to utilize the committee’s power to investigate Trump’s “crypto acquisitions,” potential Emoluments Clause violations, and other business dealings.
Crockett’s rise, however, has not been without controversy. She is known for her assertive rhetoric, which some have described as “racially-charged rants” and “incendiary anti-Republican rhetoric.” She has publicly labeled Republicans as “inherently violent” and associated them with white supremacist groups. This aggressive approach has drawn criticism, with some pointing to instances of violence associated with other movements.
Despite the controversy, Crockett’s outspokenness and ambition to lead a key investigative committee underscore her growing prominence within the Democratic Party as the race for the House Oversight Committee’s top Democratic spot heats up.
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