President Donald Trump has broken his silence regarding the recent political downfall of Eric Swalwell, a Democrat who resigned from Congress and suspended his campaign for California governor following multiple accusations of sexual misconduct. Speaking to the Daily Mail, President Trump sharply criticized Swalwell, a longtime political opponent, calling him a "sleazebag" and a "bad guy."
"We’ll see what happens," President Trump stated when questioned about the unfolding scandal and potential investigations. He continued, "He’s a sleazebag. Always has been. He’s a long timer, and he’s a bad guy. I don’t know anything about the charges, but he’s a bad guy." President Trump further intensified his critique, adding, "He’s always been a bad guy, he’s a corrupt politician, and everyone knows it, so it’s happening to him, and we’ll see what happens. Right? Let him go defend himself." These remarks represent President Trump’s initial direct public comments on the situation that has rapidly dismantled Swalwell's political career.
Eric Swalwell, who represented California’s 14th congressional district, announced his resignation from Congress earlier this week. His decision came after five women publicly accused him of sexual misconduct, leading to a swift collapse of his political standing. Among the serious allegations, a former staffer claimed that Swalwell raped her twice while she was intoxicated, once in 2019 and again in 2024. Another accuser, identified as Lonna Drewes, alleged that Swalwell drugged and raped her in 2018.
In response to the accusations, Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing. However, he has publicly acknowledged what he referred to as "mistakes in judgment" and issued an apology to his wife, Brittany Watts. The severity of the allegations has prompted criminal scrutiny from legal authorities. According to reports from the Daily Mail, both the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have initiated investigations into the assault claims involving Swalwell.
Prior to the emergence of these allegations, Swalwell was considered a prominent Democratic contender in the upcoming 2026 California gubernatorial race, aiming to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom. Polling data from March reportedly indicated significant support for Swalwell, showing him leading a crowded primary field with 17.3% backing. His campaign had also successfully raised millions of dollars, establishing considerable momentum. This trajectory, however, dissolved almost instantaneously with the public revelation of the misconduct claims.
Swalwell has long been a vocal and prominent critic of President Trump in Washington. He was a leading voice in accusing President Trump of colluding with Russia during the 2016 presidential election, a claim President Trump consistently denied. Swalwell later served as one of the impeachment managers during President Trump’s second impeachment trial in the Senate, further cementing his role as a political adversary. President Trump’s recent comments suggest little sympathy for a rival who spent years targeting him politically.
The current scandal has also drawn renewed attention to Swalwell’s past associations, specifically his ties to Christine Fang, an individual alleged to have been a Chinese intelligence operative. While Swalwell was never charged with any wrongdoing in connection with that matter, the association became a subject of controversy. In 2023, then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) removed Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee, citing broader concerns about national security and Swalwell’s past conduct.
The ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies and Swalwell's public denial coupled with an acknowledgment of "mistakes in judgment" mean the situation remains fluid. The developments highlight the intense scrutiny public officials face, particularly when allegations of a serious nature surface, often leading to rapid political consequences.
