Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) is facing widespread ridicule after posting a video of himself bench pressing 135 pounds while criticizing Republicans for leaving Washington for August recess. The video, intended to showcase toughness and criticize GOP lawmakers for allegedly avoiding the release of Epstein-related documents, instead drew mockery for its weak performance and forced messaging.
Swalwell filmed the gym video as part of a campaign effort to appear strong and masculine. In the clip, he performs a light bench press while speaking directly to the camera, accusing Republicans of abandoning their work. Critics quickly noted that the weight was minimal, especially for someone attempting to project strength.
Conservatives online labeled the stunt “cringe” and “embarrassing.” Commenters on Reddit and X mocked Swalwell for choosing such a light weight and speaking mid-lift, suggesting the video was more about optics than substance. One post read, “If you can talk while benching, you’re not benching enough.”
On Fox News, the panel on The Five mocked the attempt as transparent and ineffective. Jesse Watters contrasted the video with what he called “real strength,” pointing to President Trump’s image of “dad strength” as more authentic. Greg Gutfeld and other commentators questioned whether Swalwell’s goal was to campaign or to trend on social media.
The video follows a pattern of social media missteps by Swalwell. Past TikTok videos featuring tacos, awkward dances, and stunts aimed at trolling conservatives have regularly backfired. Conservative media also continues to spotlight Swalwell’s past controversies, including his alleged relationship with a Chinese spy and his ongoing promotion of progressive narratives.
Swalwell’s gym clip was widely viewed as a failed attempt to connect with male voters and portray himself as an assertive leader. Instead, the effort drew bipartisan mockery and added to a growing list of viral political flops.
