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 encompasses eastern Alameda County and part of central Contra Costa County. He is known for his work in Congress.

Sections (5)

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

2012: Cultivation of contacts with California politicians

Beginning in 2012, Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese spy, cultivated contacts with California politicians believed by the Chinese government to have promising futures.

June 18, 2013: Uploaded video of vote to Vine

On June 18, 2013, Eric Swalwell used his mobile phone to record a video of his vote against a bill and uploaded it to Vine.

2014: Fang participated in fundraising for Swalwell's congressional election bid

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

2015: Swalwell ended ties with Fang

In 2015, Eric Swalwell ended ties with Christine Fang after being briefed by U.S. intelligence on concerns about Chinese agents infiltrating Congress.

2018: Personal data seized by U.S. Department of Justice

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

December 2020: Swalwell named in Axios story about suspected Chinese spy Fang Fang

In December 2020, Eric Swalwell was named in an Axios story regarding Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese spy, who had cultivated contacts with California politicians since at least 2012.

December 2020: FBI official says Swalwell was cooperative

In December 2020, an unnamed FBI official told the San Francisco Chronicle that Eric Swalwell was fully cooperative and not suspected of any wrongdoing in relation to the investigation of suspected Chinese spy Christine Fang.

December 2020: Allegations of national security threat

In December 2020, following an Axios story, Eric Swalwell faced allegations of being a national security threat due to his association with Christine Fang, though the story mentioned she had sexual relations with two unidentified Midwestern mayors, but not with Swalwell. He received death and rape threats.

March 5, 2021: Filed civil lawsuit

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, but the motion was tabled.

April 2021: House Ethics Committee opens investigation into Swalwell

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

January 2023: Expelled from House Intelligence Committee

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

January 2023: McCarthy removes Swalwell from the Intelligence committee

In January 2023, after becoming Speaker, Kevin McCarthy removed Eric Swalwell from the Intelligence committee, stating concerns based on an FBI briefing. Swalwell's membership had expired due to term limits.

May 2023: House Ethics Committee closes investigation

In May 2023, the House Ethics Committee closed its investigation into Eric Swalwell without further action, cautioning members about potential foreign influence attempts.