President Trump on Wednesday called House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff a “political hack” who is trying to make a name for himself by investigating the Trump administration.

“He’s just a political hack who’s trying to build a name for himself, and I think that’s fine because that’s what they do,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

Schiff, one of the key Democrats driving investigations into Trump and his 2016 presidential campaign, announced Wednesday the House Intelligence Committee is planning a sweeping probe into the president’s financial transactions and his alleged relationship with Russia.

[Also read: Federal Investigators close in on Trump inaugural committee]

The investigation, Schiff said, would examine “whether any foreign actor has sought to compromise or holds leverage, financial or otherwise, over Donald Trump, his family, his business, or his associates.”

“The president’s actions and posture towards Russia during the campaign, transition, and administration have only heightened fears of foreign financial or other leverage over President Trump and underscore the need to determine whether he or those in his administration have acted in service of foreign interests since taking office,” Schiff said.

When told of the broad investigation, Trump said Schiff has “no basis” to launch such a probe.

“No other politician has to go through that,” he said. “It’s called presidential harassment, and it’s unfortunate, and it really does hurt our country.”

Schiff dismissed the president's attack and said the Intelligence Committee will charge ahead with its work.

"I can understand why the idea of meaningful oversight terrifies the president. Several of his close associates are going to jail, others await trial, and criminal investigations continue. We’re going to do our job and won’t be distracted or intimidated by threats or attacks," Schiff tweeted.



I can understand why the idea of meaningful oversight terrifies the President. Several of his close associates are going to jail, others await trial, and criminal investigations continue.



We’re going to do our job and won’t be distracted or intimidated by threats or attacks. — Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) February 6, 2019



The investigation by the House panel follows Trump's State of the Union address Tuesday night, during which the president urged Congress to put aside partisan divisions in favor of unity and slammed the congressional probes that have targeted him and his administration.

"An economic miracle is taking place in the United States, and the only thing that can stop it are foolish wars, politics, or ridiculous partisan investigations," Trump said. "If there is going to be peace and legislation, there cannot be war and investigation. It just doesn’t work that way."

