Fox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Rep. Eric Swalwell , D-Calif., is threatening legal action against the Federal Bureau of Investigation as it reportedly considers releasing potentially damaging files just weeks before he faces voters in California ’s wide-open gubernatorial race.
Lawyers for Swalwell sent a cease-and-desist letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, warning the bureau would violate federal privacy law if it moves ahead with releasing records regarding the congressman’s decade-old relationship with a suspected Chinese spy named Christine 'Fang Fang' Fang. 'our attempt to release the file is a transparent attempt to smear him and undermine his campaign for Governor of California,' Swalwell’s attorneys, Sean Hecker and Norm Eisen, said in a recent letter to Patel obtained by The Associated Press. 'Your actions threaten to expose you, others at the FBI, and the FBI itself to significant legal liability. Indeed, disclosure of the investigative file would violate federal law in several respects.' The FBI did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ADAM SCHIFF MAKES ENDORSEMENT IN CALIFORNIA GUBERNATORIAL RACE The letter comes as The Washington Post first reported that Patel is weighing the release of investigative records related to Swalwell’s past relationship with Fang, who is accused of cultivating ties with Swalwell and other California Democrats for espionage purposes. The suspected Chinese spy operative helped fundraise for Swalwell’s 2014 House re-election campaign and placed at least one intern in his office. Swalwell cut off ties with Fang in 2015 after the FBI alerted him to the suspected Chinese influence campaign. The Justice Department did not pursue criminal charges at the time and Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing. A probe launched by the House Ethics Committee also concluded in 2023 without accusing Swalwell of any violations. SWALWELL GOVERNOR BID HIT WITH RESIDENCY QUESTIONS AFTER COURT FILING ALLEGES HE DOESN’T LIVE IN CALIFORNIA Swalwell’s lawyers also accused Patel of potentially violating long-maintained DOJ policy that prohibits law enforcement from taking any public investigatory action against political candidates in the two months prior to an election. Early voting for California’s June 2 gubernatorial primary begins in early May. Swalwell is vying to be among the top two vote-getters that advance to the general election after jumping into the race in late 2025. 'It's not lost on me that we're 34 days until Californians start voting,' Swalwell told CNN’s Brianna Keilar on Monday. 'We've consistently been in the lead in this governor's race. And the president wants a Western White House.' Swalwell is a vocal critic of President Donald Trump and served as an impeachment manager during the president’s second impeachment in 2021, following the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The California Democrat has also been criminally referred to the DOJ for alleged mortgage fraud. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., has also blasted Patel for reportedly advocating for the release of the so-called 'Fang Fang' files. 'What the hell does that have to do with law enforcement?' Raskin said Saturday. 'This is plain weaponization of the FBI for partisan political purposes.'
Eric Swalwell Fbi California Investigations Politics
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Report: FBI Director Kash Patel Wants Documents on Democrat Eric Swalwell and Chinese Spy ‘Fang Fang’ ReleasedSource of breaking news and analysis, insightful commentary and original reporting, curated and written specifically for the new generation of independent and conservative thinkers.
Read more »
Eric Swalwell furious after Kash Patel pushes to release files of Chinese spy linked to himToday's Video Headlines: 3/29/2026
Read more »
FBI Director Seeks Release of Swalwell-Fang Investigation FilesFBI Director Kash Patel is reportedly pushing for the release of investigative files concerning Rep. Eric Swalwell and alleged Chinese spy Christine Fang, including details of their relationship. The move follows reports of a classified intelligence report and discussions about potentially interviewing Fang. Swalwell has accused Trump of political targeting.
Read more »
Swalwell accuses President Donald Trump, Kash Patel of trying to influence California governor’s raceKash Patel is reportedly pushing to release files related to a decades-old investigation into the congressman.
Read more »
FBI Director Seeks Release of Swalwell-Fang FilesFBI Director Kash Patel reportedly wants to release investigative files concerning Rep. Eric Swalwell and alleged Chinese spy Christine Fang. This follows reports of a classified intelligence report detailing their relationship, including sensitive information. The FBI has prepared documents for sharing with senior officials, and discussions include contacting Fang in China.
Read more »
Eric Swalwell escalates war with FBI chief Kash Patel over Fang Fang scandalToday's Video Headlines: 3/30/2026
Read more »