Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Eric Swalwell

Public opinion and media debates around Eric Swalwell—discover key moments of controversy.

Eric Swalwell is an American lawyer and politician currently serving as the U.S. representative for California's 14th congressional district since 2023, after representing the 15th district from 2013 to 2023. A member of the Democratic Party, his district includes eastern Alameda County and part of central Contra Costa County. Swalwell has been involved in national politics, focusing on issues related to technology, cybersecurity, and government oversight. He serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Judiciary Committee.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2012: Fang Cultivates Contacts with California Politicians

Since at least 2012, Fang Fang cultivated contacts with California politicians.

June 18, 2013: Posts Video of Vote on Vine

On June 18, 2013, Eric Swalwell posted a video of his vote against a bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks on Vine, leading to controversy.

2014: Fang Participates in Fundraising for Swalwell

In 2014, Fang Fang participated in fundraising for Eric Swalwell's congressional election bid.

2015: Swalwell Ends Ties with Fang

In 2015, Eric Swalwell ended ties with Fang Fang after U.S. intelligence briefed him on concerns.

2018: Personal Data Seized by DOJ

In 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice under the Trump administration seized Eric Swalwell's personal data.

December 2020: FBI Official States Swalwell is Cooperative

Also in December 2020, the San Francisco Chronicle quoted an unnamed FBI official as saying that Eric Swalwell was completely cooperative and under no suspicion of wrongdoing.

December 2020: Named in Axios Story about Suspected Chinese Spy

In December 2020, Eric Swalwell was named in an Axios story about suspected Chinese spy Fang Fang or Christine Fang.

December 2020: Axios Report on Fang and Swalwell

In December 2020, an Axios story reported that Fang had sexual relations with two Midwestern mayors but not with Swalwell. Despite this, allegations persisted that Swalwell was a national security threat due to his association with Fang.

March 5, 2021: Files Lawsuit Against Trump and Others

On March 5, 2021, Eric Swalwell filed a civil lawsuit against Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Representative Mo Brooks, and Rudy Giuliani.

March 2021: Motion to Remove Swalwell from House Intelligence Committee

In March 2021, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy moved to remove Eric Swalwell from his seat on the House Intelligence Committee, which was tabled.

April 2021: House Ethics Committee Investigation Opened

In April 2021, the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Swalwell.

March 2022: Proposed Measures Against Russia on CNN

In March 2022, Swalwell proposed measures in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine on CNN, including closing the Russian embassy and expelling Russian students. These remarks received backlash.

January 2023: Expelled from House Intelligence Committee

In January 2023, Speaker Kevin McCarthy expelled Eric Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee.

January 2023: McCarthy Removes Swalwell from Intelligence Committee

In January 2023, after becoming Speaker, McCarthy removed Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee. McCarthy stated that after reviewing an FBI briefing, he wouldn't have Swalwell on any committee. Swalwell's membership expired in January 2023 due to term limits.