The former Democratic congressman who once sought the presidency and built his political brand on attacking Donald Trump is now the subject of an FBI investigation into sexual misconduct allegations.
Eric Swalwell, who represented California in the House of Representatives until earlier this year, had his electronic devices confiscated by federal agents when he arrived at San Francisco Airport this week, according to a report from The Daily Mail.
The seizure of personal electronics by federal law enforcement represents a significant escalation in whatever investigation the bureau is conducting. Such actions typically require judicial approval and suggest investigators believe the devices may contain evidence relevant to their probe.
Swalwell’s fall from political grace has been swift and dramatic. The California Democrat resigned from Congress earlier this year and abandoned his campaign for governor amid what reports describe as renewed scrutiny of his time in office. New allegations from women also emerged during this period, adding to the pressure that ultimately ended his political career.
For years, Swalwell positioned himself as one of the most vocal critics of the former president, becoming a fixture on cable news as part of the Democratic “resistance” during the Trump administration. He launched a bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, though his campaign failed to gain traction and he dropped out before the primaries began.
His tenure in Congress was not without controversy even before the current allegations surfaced. Swalwell faced questions about his past association with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, though he was not accused of wrongdoing in that matter.
The FBI’s decision to seize his devices at a major airport sends a clear signal about the seriousness with which the bureau is treating the investigation. Federal agents don’t typically intercept former members of Congress at airports without substantial cause.
The congressman’s resignation earlier this year came as multiple women reportedly came forward with claims against him. The timing of his departure from both Congress and the gubernatorial race suggested the pressure had become too great to continue his political ambitions.
For a politician who spent years calling for investigations into his political opponents, Swalwell now finds himself on the receiving end of federal scrutiny. The irony has not been lost on observers who watched him demand accountability from others throughout his career in Washington.
