Eric Swalwell news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
FBI files show Eric Swalwell admitted to physical relations with suspected Chinese spy Fang Fang. The declassified documents confirm the affair and reveal illegal campaign donations.
Background
Eric Swalwell, a former Democratic congressman from California, resigned in April 2026 after allegations of sexual misconduct. Newly declassified FBI documents, released by the White House Government Transparency Task Force, reveal that Swalwell admitted to having a sexual relationship with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative. The documents also show that Fang helped solicit illegal campaign donations for Swalwell, and that the FBI investigated him from 2014 to 2017 but dropped the case for 'national security reasons.'
How it unfolded
- 2012Swalwell met Christine Fang at an event recognizing the Chinese American community.
- May 2015Swalwell was interviewed by the FBI at its Oakland field office and admitted to 'physical relations' with Fang.
- Mar 2016Swalwell was interviewed again by the FBI at the same location.
- Apr 2026Swalwell resigned from Congress after allegations of sexual misconduct were reported.
- Aug 17, 2026The White House declassified FBI files revealing Swalwell's relationship with Fang and the campaign finance investigation.
- Aug 20, 2026FBI raided Swalwell's home and seized devices in a probe tied to sexual assault claims.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The FBI's investigation into Swalwell was dropped for 'national security reasons,' according to declassified files.
- Defense
- Swalwell's lawyer, Sara Azari, said there is 'nothing new' in the documents and accused the administration of using federal law enforcement to punish a critic.
Still unverified
The allegations of sexual misconduct against Swalwell are part of ongoing investigations and have not been proven in court.