Democrats decry ‘smear’ as Trump FBI pushes for release of Eric Swalwell file
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The Bottom Line
Trump FBI is pushing to release decade-old records from Eric Swalwell investigation; Democrats claim political timing.
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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.
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Rep. Eric Swalwell sends cease-and-desist letter to FBI Director Kash Patel - The Washington Post
Lawyers for Rep. Swalwell demand that FBI director halt any plan to release old investigative file - AP News
FBI director reportedly assigned SF agents to look into Eric Swalwell - SFGATE
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