Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell has publicly confirmed he is the latest political figure to be targeted by what he describes as Donald Trump's ongoing campaign of retribution against his critics.
The Federal Investigation
According to an exclusive report from NBC News, Swalwell is now facing a federal criminal investigation concerning allegations of mortgage fraud. This development follows a similar pattern seen in recent months, where three other Democratic officials have faced comparable scrutiny.
The investigation was initiated after the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency sent a formal letter to the Attorney General. This correspondence claimed that Congressman Swalwell may have committed both mortgage and tax fraud.
In a defiant statement, Swalwell responded to the allegations, saying, "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."
A Pattern of Political Retribution
This move against Swalwell appears to be part of a broader strategy by the former president. Trump is actively pushing for criminal charges against his political enemies and has been linked to executive orders designed to punish those who have opposed him.
The list of officials targeted with similar claims of mortgage fraud from the same agency is growing. It now includes:
- New York Attorney General Leticia James
- Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook
- Senator Adam Schiff
Trump has applied public pressure on social media, posting on his platform, Truth Social, a note directed at Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging her to bring charges against his critics. James has already been formally charged and is contesting the allegations.
Other High-Profile Cases
This pattern extends beyond mortgage fraud allegations. In separate instances, former FBI director James Comey was indicted for allegedly making a false statement and obstructing a congressional investigation during his 2020 testimony. Similarly, former national security adviser John Bolton faced charges related to the mishandling of classified materials.
Swalwell has positioned himself alongside these figures, stating, "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."
He concluded his statement with a pointed message, quoting Mark Twain: "'Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.' Mr. President, do better. Be Better."
The specific referral to the Justice Department, as detailed by NBC News, alleges several million dollars worth of loans and refinancing based on Swalwell declaring his primary residence as Washington, D.C., and recommends he be investigated for a range of potential fraud crimes.
