Key Facts

• Democrats held a shadow hearing on July 21, 2026, to criticize President Trump’s construction projects like the East Wing renovation and the Reflecting Pool repair.
• They accused the president of using no-bid contracts, including one awarded to a company owned by a political donor and neighbor.
• Witnesses said these projects show corruption and misuse of power without proven legal violations so far.
• The hearing had no Republican participation and was done on temporary tables, not in the usual Senate setup.
• Democratic lawmakers highlighted possible conflicts between donors to Trump’s projects and government decisions.
• Musician Ben Folds testified that politicizing art at the Kennedy Center, where Trump was chairman, hurt its reputation and led to show cancellations.
• Democrats are investigating funding and contracts for Trump-led projects but cannot force the administration to share information yet.
• Senator Richard Blumenthal said Democrats may use subpoena power next year if they gain more authority.