Raskin rips Patel over reported plan to release decade-old Swalwell files

Rep. Jamie Raskin criticized FBI Director Kash Patel on Saturday for reportedly planning to release decade-old files on Rep. Eric Swalwell's contacts with a suspected Chinese spy, accusing the bureau of attempting to smear a sitting congressman and vocal administration critic. Swalwell, a California Democrat running for governor, had previously faced scrutiny over his interactions with a woman tied to Chinese intelligence operations. Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, framed the move as politically motivated retaliation against an opponent of the Trump administration. The allegation raises questions about whether law enforcement is being weaponized against political opponents, a concern Democrats have repeatedly raised since Trump took office. The incident reflects escalating tensions between the Republican-controlled executive branch and Democratic lawmakers.