Swalwell Faces DOJ Scrutiny Over Alleged Mortgage and Tax Fraud
Rep. Eric Swalwell, the California Democrat long known for his relentless attacks on President Trump, has been referred to the Justice Department for a federal criminal investigation into potential mortgage fraud, state and local tax deception, and insurance misrepresentation, according to multiple reports.
The probe centers on millions in loans and refinancing where Swalwell allegedly listed his Washington, D.C., home as his primary residence, raising questions about false statements in financial documents.
Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday, urging a thorough review of the claims, per sources cited by NBC News, which broke the story.
The referral, which also notifies the FHFA’s acting inspector general, marks Swalwell as the fourth high-profile Democrat targeted in similar probes under the Trump administration—following New York AG Letitia James (now indicted), Sen. Adam Schiff, and Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook, all of whom deny any wrongdoing.
Pattern of Probes Targets Trump Critics
Swalwell’s history as a leading Trump antagonist—spearheading the Russia collusion narrative, impeachments, and a surviving lawsuit over Jan. 6—has drawn scrutiny, with the congressman framing the referral as political payback.
“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,” Mr. Swalwell said on social media.
“Like James Comey and John Bolton, Adam Schiff and Lisa Cook, Letitia James and the dozens more to come — I refuse to live in fear in what was once the freest country in the world,” Mr. Swalwell said in his statement.
“Of course, I will not end my lawsuit against him. And I will not stop speaking out against the President and speaking up for Californians.”
The investigation echoes prior cases against former FBI Director James Comey (indicted for false statements) and ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton (charged with mishandling classified materials), both Trump foes.
Trump has publicly advocated prosecuting adversaries, amplifying calls for accountability amid these referrals.
Defiance Amid Governor Speculation
Swalwell, who dismissed the allegations as “nonsense” in a CNN appearance, vowed to persist despite the probe.
“It’s not going to shake me,” he said. “The other individuals, Schiff, James, (Lisa) Cook and myself, we’re not going to hide under the bed, we’re not going to be silent or go away — we’re going to hold a lawless president accountable.”
The timing coincides with MSNBC reports that Swalwell has nearly committed to a 2026 California gubernatorial run, potentially announcing as early as next week—adding intrigue to whether the probe could derail his ambitions or fuel his narrative as a targeted fighter.
