A previously undisclosed romantic relationship between then-Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Katie Miller, the woman currently married to President Donald Trump's senior adviser Stephen Miller, has come to light, adding an unusual personal dimension to an ongoing political controversy. The revelation, detailed in a new report by the Sources Say newsletter and the Daily Mail on August 7, 2026, surfaces amid a contentious dispute over the potential release of FBI investigative records concerning Swalwell's past interactions with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, Christine Fang.
"I NEVER had any conversations with Swalwell nor his legal team regarding the Chinese Spy nor did I direct anyone at DOJ not to release files." — Pam Bondi, Former Attorney General
According to sources familiar with the matter, Swalwell’s legal team reportedly brought up the past relationship during confidential discussions surrounding the possible release of FBI documents related to his contacts with Fang, also known as "Fang Fang." More than a decade ago, Katie Miller was reportedly 22 years old and working as an intern when she and Swalwell began dating. The relationship concluded years before she became romantically involved with Stephen Miller, who has since become one of President Trump's closest and most influential advisers. Katie and Stephen Miller have been married for six years and have four children. The former couple, Swalwell and Katie Miller, reportedly have not communicated or seen each other in years. Katie Miller stated to Sources Say that she was unaware her past relationship with Swalwell had been mentioned to the Justice Department.
The context for this revelation is a broader, long-standing dispute over FBI records detailing Swalwell’s interactions with Christine Fang. Fang developed relationships with several rising politicians in California and assisted in bundling donations for Swalwell’s 2014 congressional re-election campaign. She also facilitated the placement of an intern within his congressional office, as reported by the Daily Mail. Fang departed for China in 2015 as federal investigators intensified their scrutiny of her activities. Swalwell received a defensive briefing from the FBI concerning Fang and subsequently severed all contact with her, cooperating with the investigators. The investigation concluded without any charges being filed against Swalwell.
Despite the lack of charges, the controversy surrounding Swalwell’s association with Fang persisted for years after details became public in 2020. The issue re-entered the political spotlight earlier this year when FBI Director Kash Patel reportedly moved toward releasing records from the closed investigation. Swalwell’s legal team reportedly argued that the release of such material under the Trump administration could be perceived as a politically motivated effort to weaponize the Justice Department against him. Sources Say indicated that Swalwell issued a cease-and-desist letter challenging the potential release, asserting it was an attempt to undermine his campaign for California governor. Ultimately, the FBI records were not released.
Behind the scenes, Justice Department attorneys working under then-Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly engaged in discussions with Swalwell’s attorney regarding the records, including whether they should remain sealed. Bondi has strongly disputed aspects of this account. "I NEVER had any conversations with Swalwell nor his legal team regarding the Chinese Spy nor did I direct anyone at DOJ not to release files," Bondi told the Daily Mail. She clarified that her only contact involving Swalwell concerned "death threats to his wife and children." The Daily Mail had previously reported that President Trump removed Bondi in April, partly due to his belief that she had alerted Swalwell about plans to release the records, an allegation Bondi has consistently denied. Swalwell also denied receiving any such warning, stating in an MSNBC interview following Bondi’s departure, “The attorney general did not tip us off.”
Swalwell later withdrew from California’s gubernatorial race in April amid separate sexual misconduct allegations, which he has denied. Meanwhile, Katie Miller has carved out her own significant political career, working on Capitol Hill, holding senior positions within the Trump administration, and later working for Elon Musk before leaving government to launch a podcast. Despite their reported romantic history, Miller has become a vocal critic of Swalwell, frequently attacking him publicly on issues related to his politics, ethics, and conduct. The newly reported relationship adds an unforeseen personal layer to an already intricate and politically charged dispute involving Swalwell, the Trump administration, and the unreleased FBI records.
