Why Democrats Are Accusing the FBI of Trying to ‘Smear’ Rep. Eric Swalwell
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FBI Director Kash Patel seeks to release decade-old investigative file on Rep. Swalwell; Democrats call it political retaliation.
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FBI Director Kash Patel is seeking to publicly release a decade-old investigative file on California Rep. Eric Swalwell's past connection to a woman suspected of being a Chinese intelligence operative, prompting Democrats to accuse the agency of political retaliation against the congressman and gubernatorial candidate. Swalwell, who was never accused of wrongdoing and ended his contact with the woman around 2015 after federal agents raised concerns, sent a cease-and-desist letter Monday demanding the FBI halt any release and threatening legal action under the Privacy Act of 1974. Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin and California Sen. Adam Schiff denounced the move as "weaponization of the FBI for partisan political purposes" and an "abuse of the FBI," respectively. The FBI spokesman denied improper motives, saying the agency prepares documents for release "for numerous different reasons." Swalwell, positioned as a top Democratic candidate ahead of California's June 2 primary, must receive a response to his legal demand within three days.
What's Being Done
Rep. Swalwell sent cease-and-desist letter demanding the FBI halt any release and threatening legal action; FBI has three days to respond.
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