Democrats decry ‘smear’ as Trump FBI pushes for release of Eric Swalwell file
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Trump FBI is pushing to release decade-old records from Eric Swalwell investigation; Democrats claim political timing.
AI Summary
The Trump administration, through FBI Director Kash Patel, is reportedly pushing to release records from a decade-old FBI investigation into Eric Swalwell's contacts with a suspected Chinese agent, according to the Washington Post. Swalwell, a Democratic congressman now running for California governor, has not been accused of wrongdoing in the inquiry, which centered on a suspected spy who developed relationships with U.S. politicians and helped with his fundraising. Democrats are characterizing the effort as a political smear timed to coincide with Swalwell's gains in the gubernatorial race. The records stem from an investigation completed years ago with no public evidence of illegal conduct by Swalwell. The push to release the files raises questions about whether the administration is using law enforcement powers against a political rival.
What's Being Done
FBI Director Kash Patel is reportedly pushing for release of records from the completed investigation.
Source Coverage Map
8 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
5 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Ex-FBI agents who worked on Trump cases sue agency and DoJ over firings
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
PoliticsWhy Democrats Are Accusing the FBI of Trying to ‘Smear’ Rep. Eric Swalwell
Democrats’ outrage stems from reporting by the Washington Post that FBI Director Kash Patel is seeking to publicly release a decade-old investigative file.
PoliticsSwalwell-FBI clash draws attention to Trump foe’s California governor bid
The FBI’s contemplation about releasing files on a Chinese spy who interacted with Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) is raising questions about the lengths the Trump administration might go to as foes of the president seek election. Swalwell, who is running for governor in California, sent a cease and desist letter to the FBI on Monday, arguing the…
PoliticsDemocrats sue to block Trump’s executive order targeting mail ballots - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiqAFBVV95cUxQNVFXYUhia1FqNkltdEx6RnRjSllDZlI1ZVJuV0FrRjY3cVhUV0o5ZGpleFdVLVNERkVrV2hnWExNdFVQR0F5UXpXbzBTUVNNWVdWVW5ndVl4UnFYYkNxZW14OHhWREZBbjk1RTNIMXJRR1NkYlBWT08zNzJCd1M2MDAxdTlqQjVYeFZ3emRwNEVIRW02QnVqaDhQWndHRnlVMl91ZkNpYWM?oc=5" target="_blank">Democrats sue to block Trump’s executive order targeting mail ballots</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
PoliticsSwalwell accuses Trump of trying to influence California governor’s race with old FBI files - Los Angeles Times
HealthAmerican Heart Association releases dietary guidance counter to some Maha guidelines
<p>Leading US heart health group recommends prioritizing plant-based protein over meat relative to US government</p><p>The American Heart Association’s new nutrition guidance, released on Tuesday, emphasized a dietary pattern rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, prioritizing plant-based protein over meat.</p><p>It also suggested limiting the use of sugar, salt and ultra-processed foods and replacing full fat dairy with non-fat and low-fat dairy.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/01/american-heart-association-dietary-guidelines-maha">Continue reading...</a>
PoliticsHere's how U.S. residents feel about Trump's signature on American cash
<div>Data: <a href="https://yougov.com/en-us/daily-results/20260330-158e2-3" target="_blank">YouGov</a>; Chart: Herb Scribner/Axios</div><p>An overwhelming majority of U.S. residents somewhat or strongly disapprove of President <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/27/trump-money-signature-dollar-currency" target="_blank">Trump's plan</a> to add his signature to U.S. currency, according to a new poll from <a href="https://yougov.com/en-us/daily-results/20260330-158e2-3" target="_blank">YouGov</a>.</p><p><strong>Why it matters: </strong>The discontent over Trump's name on U.S. cash comes as he continues to influence U.S. currency — including promoting a new 24-karat gold commemorative coin with his image.</p><hr><p><strong>By the numbers: </strong>The poll found that 48% of respondents strongly disapprove of the plan for Trump's signature to replace that of U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach on U.S. cash.</p><ul><li>Similarly, 11% somewhat disapprove, bringing the total to nearly 60% who ...

Trump announces ‘fraud’ crackdown in Democratic states as arrests begin in California - The Guardian
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
After 16 years and $8 billion, the military's new GPS software still doesn't work

US paves way for private assets to be included in 401(k) retirement plans - Reuters

Trump administration scales back on asylum crackdown, sources say

European nations warn over Israel’s planned expansion of death penalty

Appeals court suspends order for Voice of America employees to return to work - AP News






