House Democrats are eyeing their next move should they regain control next year, with plans to leverage their oversight powers to pressure the Trump administration. Key among their arsenal: threatening to cut funding for the president’s pet projects like the West Wing renovations and DC arch.

With Trump currently preoccupied with his personal ambitions, Democrats see an opportunity to use the power of congressional appropriations to make the White House more cooperative. If Trump resists, they might shut down funding for future renovations or block money for the arch, forcing him to choose between compliance or his vanity projects.

The stakes are high, with traditional legal remedies like court-enforced subpoenas taking years to resolve. Democrats are considering other tactics, including fines and potential contempt charges, to make non-compliance less attractive. However, the effectiveness of these measures is uncertain, especially given the Justice Department’s role in prosecuting such cases.

In the end, this could be a test of political will and constitutional power, with the future of Trump’s architectural legacy hanging in the balance. Will it be a case of political theatre or genuine change?