Congressional Democrats push for new watchdog to oversee Trump's White House

Source: CBS News

Updated on: July 9, 2025 / 7:58 AM EDT


Senate Democrats are planning to introduce new legislation to create a new watchdog office to monitor the conduct and actions of President Trump's White House and future administrations. The bill, which will be formally announced Wednesday by a group of congressional Democrats, requires an inspector general to oversee the Executive Office of the President. The legislation has been attempted previously, but has new urgency, according to its authors.

"Inspectors general conduct important independent oversight throughout different agencies in the executive branch. But the same is not true when it comes to the President and the White House — where there is no inspector general," said Sen. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat who is sponsoring the bill. "That should change, regardless of who is in office."

Schiff said an inspector general overseeing the White House offices and staff would "ensure that no President or administration is above the law." "Inspectors general hold federal agencies accountable by rooting out fraud and abuse, and this legislation would implement the same oversight of our nation's highest office," said Schiff, a longtime Trump foe who has helped investigate the president – drawing stiff criticism from Mr. Trump.

Ethics and watchdog groups have long advocated for an inspector general to monitor White House staff and offices. Rep. Rosa Delauro, a Connecticut Democrat who is also sponsoring the legislation, had proposed a similar bill in 2017 during Mr. Trump's first term. Delauro said, "This is a vital check on executive power that is long overdue."

Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/congressional-democrats-new-watchdog-inspector-general-oversee-trumps-white-house/