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The Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) over allegations of mortgage fraud, according to sources familiar with the probe. The investigation comes under the Trump administration’s Justice Department, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the California congressman and the president.
The investigation centers on allegations that Swalwell made false or misleading statements on loan documents by declaring Washington, D.C. as his primary residence. Federal Housing Agency Director Bill Pulte reportedly sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday outlining concerns over millions of dollars in loans and refinancing obtained by the congressman.
Beyond potential mortgage fraud, investigators are also examining possible tax fraud at the state and local level, insurance fraud, and related criminal violations, according to a source cited by NBC News, which first reported the investigation.
Swalwell, who has been one of President Trump’s most vocal critics in Congress, responded defiantly to news of the probe. “As the most vocal critic of Donald Trump over the last decade and as the only person who still has a surviving lawsuit against him, the only thing I am surprised about is that it took him this long to come after me,” he stated.
The congressman suggested that this investigation follows a pattern of the Trump administration targeting its critics, mentioning figures like James Comey, John Bolton, Adam Schiff, and Letitia James. “I refuse to live in fear in what was once the freest country in the world,” Swalwell added, pledging to continue his lawsuit against Trump and his vocal opposition to the administration.
The timing of the investigation has raised eyebrows in political circles, as it coincides with reports that Swalwell is considering a run for governor in California. Two sources told MSNBC that the congressman has nearly finalized his decision and could announce his candidacy as early as next week, though Swalwell himself declined to comment on these reports when contacted.
The congressman’s financial activities have drawn scrutiny in recent months. FEC filings from Swalwell’s campaign and political action committee reveal over 75 payments to a Haitian American staffer named Darly Meyer since 2021, totaling more than $360,000. These payments, ranging from $53 to over $12,000, have been attributed to various purposes including travel, security services, salary, and reimbursements for expenses.
Critics have also highlighted Swalwell’s campaign expenditures on luxury services, including high-end car services, expensive restaurants, and premium hotels in international destinations like Dubai, Berlin, Paris, and London.
Swalwell gained national prominence for his assertions regarding alleged collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. However, those claims have been contradicted by subsequent investigations, including Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s 2019 report and John Durham’s 2023 report, which found no criminal conspiracy and concluded that intelligence agencies lacked “actual evidence of collusion” to justify the Trump-Russia probe.
The investigation into Swalwell represents the latest chapter in the ongoing political tensions between the Trump administration and its Democratic critics. It comes amid concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department and accusations from Democrats that the administration is using federal law enforcement as a tool against political opponents.
As the investigation unfolds, it will likely intensify the already contentious relationship between Swalwell and the president, particularly as the congressman contemplates his political future in California state politics.
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7 Comments
This seems like a politically-motivated investigation. I’ll be curious to see how it plays out and what evidence is actually uncovered, if any. Either way, it’s important for all elected officials to be held accountable.
As someone who follows politics closely, I’m not surprised to see this type of investigation targeting a prominent critic of the president. But the rule of law must apply equally to all. Let’s see where the facts lead.
Allegations of mortgage fraud are concerning, but I’ll withhold judgment until the investigation is complete. It’s important to ensure due process and not jump to conclusions, even for politicians we may disagree with.
Mortgage fraud is a serious issue that should be investigated thoroughly, regardless of political affiliation. I hope the DOJ conducts a fair and impartial probe to get to the facts of the matter.
While I’m no fan of Swalwell, I believe in the presumption of innocence. I hope the DOJ conducts a thorough and impartial investigation to get to the bottom of these allegations, whatever they may be.
I’m curious to learn more about the specifics of this case and the evidence the DOJ has uncovered. Mortgage fraud is a complex issue, and I hope the investigation is handled transparently and objectively.
This seems like a politically-charged situation, but the integrity of our democratic institutions depends on equal application of the law. I’ll be following this story closely to see how it unfolds.