Kash Patel Invites Eric Swalwell for FBI Interview Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
FBI Director Kash Patel publicly invited former Congressman Eric Swalwell to sit down for an interview with the bureau regarding allegations of sexual misconduct. Patel extended the invitation after Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress following accusations of sexual harassment, sleeping with subordinates, and sexual assault. Patel also encouraged anyone with relevant information to come forward and speak with the FBI.
Swalwell, a former member of the House Intelligence Committee, was known for promoting the Russia collusion narrative during the first Trump administration. Patel, who was a senior aide to then-House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, clashed with Swalwell over these claims. In 2023, Swalwell was removed from the Intelligence Committee by then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy due to his involvement in the collusion narrative and his ties to suspected Chinese spy Christine Fang. Patel later referred to Swalwell as one of many "government gangsters" in his book.
The relationship between Swalwell and Patel became contentious, with Swalwell confronting Patel during a hearing on Capitol Hill in 2025. Patel criticized Swalwell's career in Congress, calling it a disgrace to the American people. Last month, Swalwell attempted to stop the release of files detailing his interactions with Fang by sending a cease-and-desist notice to the FBI.
Following the sexual misconduct allegations, Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor. Democratic leaders had previously called on him to drop out of the race but had not demanded his resignation from Congress until his announcement. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi denied turning a blind eye to Swalwell's actions, while Senator Ruben Gallego claimed that Swalwell led a double life and deceived many people. Rep. Mike Lawler urged Gallego to release his communications with Swalwell to provide transparency and accountability for the women involved in the allegations.