White House counsel Will Scharf has warned incoming House Oversight chair Robert Garcia that abusive investigations and unlawful subpoenas could invite criminal scrutiny. Most workplaces tell new arrivals where to park. This one gets straight to the legal-defense budget.

Scharf’s letter invokes the requirement that congressional investigations serve a legitimate legislative purpose. Fair enough. There are rules. The orientation slideshow doesn’t have to open with the theme from Law & Order.

But his letter also declares that forthcoming investigations will be used to harass rather than accomplish anything legitimate. Forthcoming. Apparently this administration can smell an improper question while it’s still in the printer.

Who needs to examine a subpoena when you can prosecute its vibe?

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It’s the constitutional equivalent of greeting a health inspector by asking whether he’s brought a criminal-defense lawyer.

And then—and then—the people who might be investigated are warning about the terrible abuse of investigating people. Fine. Everybody put your concerns in writing. Congress can request copies. Oh, shit. We’re back at the printer.

The letter is a threat, not a new law. It doesn’t outlaw oversight, and the reporting describes no charges against Garcia.

Good. A little perspective. I can unclench something.

Except January hasn’t even arrived. We’re still introducing the incoming committee to the administration, and criminal scrutiny is already on the refreshments table.

If this is the welcome packet, the fucking office tour is going to require an attorney.