Swalwell Denies Leak, Accuses Trump of Weaponizing Justice

Swalwell Denies Receiving Leaks from Bondi, Claims Trump Seeks Political Vengeance

California Congressman Eric Swalwell has strongly denied any involvement with former Attorney General Pam Bondi or receiving leaked information from her. The accusations stem from reports suggesting Bondi’s departure from her role was linked to former President Donald Trump’s suspicion that she had shared information with Swalwell. These reports hinted at an effort by the Trump administration to release sensitive files, potentially influencing a California gubernatorial race in which Swalwell is a candidate.

“No, the Attorney General did not tip us off, no one in her orbit tipped us off,” Swalwell stated. He clarified that it was FBI agents who alerted the Washington Post to the Trump administration’s actions. These agents, according to Swalwell, were concerned about an attempt by Kash Patel and Donald Trump to interfere in the California governor’s race. Swalwell views this situation as a clear indication that Trump is “seeing ghosts” and is actively seeking an Attorney General willing to weaponize the Department of Justice against his perceived political adversaries.

Trump’s Alleged ‘Ghost Hunting’ and Demand for Political Prosecution

The Congressman expressed deep concern over what he described as Trump’s pattern of targeting political opponents. He believes Trump desires an Attorney General who will pursue legal action against figures like himself, Adam Schiff, and New York Attorney General Tish James. Swalwell finds this approach “intolerable,” not just for individuals like Pam Bondi, but for anyone holding a position of authority within the justice system who is expected to uphold the rule of law.

When asked if Bondi’s dismissal was more about her perceived failure to prosecute Trump’s enemies or a public relations issue related to the Epstein case, Swalwell leaned towards the former. “It concerns me that it looks like it’s the former, that she won’t go after enough enemies,” he said. He added that most Americans are not looking for the former President to target more political opponents. Instead, they want leaders to focus on lowering costs and addressing pressing national issues.

“This is not what people want the president to prioritize. And I can’t speak for every American, but I can speak for Californians. And Californians want him to just focus on being a president who lowers the costs on day one.”

Democrats Eyeing Congressional Power and Oversight

Despite the political turmoil, Swalwell suggested that Democrats have reasons to look forward to potential gains in Congress. He noted that many Democrats are not mourning Bondi’s departure but are instead preparing for increased oversight and accountability should they regain the majority. “Democrats are going to win the Congress this coming fall,” Swalwell predicted. He highlighted that key figures like Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia would then wield significant power, including gavels, subpoena authority, and control over funding.

Swalwell drew parallels to historical instances of alleged corruption and abuse of power, referencing J. Edgar Hoover and Watergate. He emphasized that if the FBI’s surveillance powers, set to expire on April 20th, are perceived to be used for political targeting, many Democrats have vowed not to reauthorize them. “They will not give them those powers to protect the homeland if it’s just going to be used to go after their political enemies,” he stated.

The Epstein Connection and Calls for Transparency

The ongoing controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein also remains a significant point of discussion. Swalwell believes that Pam Bondi should still testify before lawmakers, despite her departure from office. He indicated that the Epstein scandal and related promises are far from resolved, with more questions arising than answers. The administration’s perceived lack of compliance in releasing relevant files has only fueled further scrutiny.

He also addressed the possibility of Bondi attempting to avoid further questioning. Swalwell pointed out that Democrats have found Republican co-sponsors for efforts seeking justice for victims, suggesting a potential bipartisan interest in transparency. He warned that if individuals continue to abuse power, they will face congressional scrutiny. However, he also offered a path for those who come forward to expose abuses, promising whistleblower protections.

Broader Implications for Democracy and Future Oversight

The Congressman concluded by stressing the high stakes involved in such abuses of power, suggesting that the consequences could be severe for American democracy. He framed the current moment as critical for the nation’s 250-year experiment in freedom. The call for FBI agents to come forward with information about abuses, particularly concerning the California governor’s race, was a direct appeal for accountability.

Swalwell’s remarks underscore a deep-seated concern among some Democrats that the justice system is being subverted for political gain. The coming months, leading up to potential shifts in congressional power, are likely to see increased demands for transparency and accountability regarding the use of government authority and the handling of sensitive investigations.

Source: Swalwell DENIES Bondi leaked to him, says Trump is 'seeing ghosts' (YouTube)