Democrats Target Amazon, Apple and Walmart in Expanding Scrutiny of Corporate Donations and Ties to Trump

Congressional Democrats are turning their attention to some of America's largest corporations, including Amazon, Apple and Walmart, as they prepare investigations into companies' financial relationships with President Donald Trump and potential preferential treatment by his administration.

Following their victories in the November 3 midterm elections, Democrats have begun requesting corporate records ahead of taking control of Congress in January, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, who is set to lead the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, has sent letters to Amazon, Apple, Google, Microsoft, BlackRock and other companies seeking information about their contributions to Trump's White House ballroom project.

The companies face a January 4 deadline to provide records. Blumenthal has warned that failure to cooperate voluntarily could lead to further measures, including congressional subpoenas.

A separate report released by Democrats on the Senate Banking Committee named Walmart, Toyota, Live Nation and major financial institutions among companies that lawmakers allege received favorable government treatment after contributing to Trump's inauguration.

The inquiries raise questions about whether corporate donations influenced federal regulatory decisions, government contracts or enforcement actions. The allegations have not established that the companies received benefits in exchange for their contributions.

The White House has rejected accusations of improper influence surrounding the ballroom fundraising, while corporate executives are preparing for intensified congressional scrutiny.

Democrats' new investigative powers will allow them to demand documents, summon witnesses and hold public hearings once the next Congress convenes in January.