Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joined the rest of the Democrats in skipping a Wednesday on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic — but he also took it a step further, walking by while the hearing was going on and appearing to mock it.
Not one of the Democrats on the Senate Homeland Security &amp; Governmental Affairs Committee — to include Gallego — attended the hearing, where CIA whistleblower James Erdman III testified that Dr. Anthony Fauci had intentionally worked to cover up information regarding the pandemic&#8217;s origins.
But while most Democrats on the committee stayed away from the hearing entirely, Fox News Congressional Correspondent Bill Melugin reported that Gallego — accompanied by at least one staffer — walked by while the hearing was still ongoing.
&#8220;Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), who is on this committee, just walked by the hearing room and saw all the media cameras and said something along the lines of, &#8216;Wow, what’s going on here?&#8217; A staffer walking with him replied &#8216;I don’t know.&#8217; Unclear if they were trolling or not,&#8221; Melugin said in an <a href="https://x.com/BillMelugin_/status/2054574539611205713">X post</a>.
He later relayed the story to Fox News host Harris Faulkner, saying, &#8220;Senator Ruben Gallego, Democrat from Arizona, actually walked by us about 15 minutes ago. He saw the media cameras here, and we couldn’t tell if he was joking or trolling or not, but he said, &#8216;Hey, what’s going on here?&#8217; And his staffer said, &#8216;I don’t know,&#8217; and they walked past us. He is on that committee. He’s not in the room.&#8221;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Fox’s Bill Melugin just exposed the stunning no-show by Senate Democrats at the CIA whistleblower hearing on Covid.
Not a SINGLE Democrat was in the room — even though several sit on the Homeland Security Committee.
MELUGIN: “There are no Senate Democrats inside of that hearing… <a href="https://t.co/dERE0QpHWY">pic.twitter.com/dERE0QpHWY</a>
— Overton (@overton_news) <a href="https://twitter.com/overton_news/status/2054587401851343065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Gallego has been under increased scrutiny of late because of his close ties to disgraced former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) — who resigned after several accusations of sexual misconduct, harassment, and even rape — and has claimed that the former California congressman had succeeded in hiding his &#8220;double life&#8221; even when the two were roommates.
At the hearing Gallego and the other Democrats missed, Erdman laid out the complex web of experts — most of whom were previously linked to Fauci — who had worked to control what information was eventually revealed to the American people.
Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) called out the federal agencies that had a part in handling the information, saying they had essentially given &#8220;the big middle finger&#8221; to the American people by not being more transparent at the time.
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Ruben Gallego

Swalwell’s Best Buddy Didn’t Just Skip The COVID Hearing, He’s Accused Of Mocking It

Swalwell's Best Buddy Didn't Just Skip The COVID Hearing, He Mocked It

Anthony Fauci

COVID-19

Democrats

Eric Swalwell

Media

Politics

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) renewed her attacks on former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), accusing the disgraced California Democrat of continuing behavior she said mirrors that of “an alleged predator” after reports emerged that Swalwell is still messaging women connected to the allegations against him through Snapchat.
Speaking with Fox News’ Kayleigh McEnany, Mace reacted to a recent report revealing Swalwell contacted a former intern on Snapchat as recently as this week.“It’s traumatic,” Mace said. “This is very typical behavior of an alleged predator continuing to harass and prey upon their own victims.”
Mace, who has frequently spoken publicly about being a survivor of sexual assault herself, said she has spent years working alongside abuse survivors and argued the continued outreach described in reports reflects familiar patterns of manipulation and intimidation. “I’ve seen it in my own life. I’ve seen it in victims that I’ve been working with,” she said. “A lot of times women — and men too — are attacked and blamed, and that’s what I feel is happening when I read those messages.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Rep. Nancy Mace says America&#8217;s culture on dealing with predators MUST change—and it starts at the top:
Kayleigh McEnany: &#8220;This behavior of Eric Swalwell, that he says these messages are routine and then yet he&#8217;s still messaging these women at 1:57am saying it&#8217;s about… <a href="https://t.co/vAoRCGNERs">pic.twitter.com/vAoRCGNERs</a>
— Julia 🇺🇸 (@Jules31415) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jules31415/status/2053203059803591132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2026</a></blockquote>
The comments came after a New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/01/us/eric-swalwell-social-media.html?unlocked_article_code=1.fVA.r66S.i6XObba2CjDA&amp;smid=url-share">report</a> detailing Swalwell’s continued use of Snapchat, the same disappearing-message platform central to multiple misconduct allegations that surfaced earlier this year and ultimately ended his California gubernatorial campaign.
According to the report, Swalwell recently messaged a former intern through the app asking why she had screenshotted their chat history. While the reported messages were not sexual in nature, critics argued the contact itself raised further questions given the broader allegations surrounding the former congressman.
At least six women have publicly or anonymously accused Swalwell of misconduct ranging from inappropriate workplace behavior and explicit communications to allegations of sexual assault and non-consensual encounters. Several accusations specifically involve Snapchat exchanges that allegedly included explicit messages and photographs.
One former staffer alleged that while working closely with Swalwell as a 21-year-old aide, the congressman gradually shifted professional communication into private Snapchat conversations that became sexual in nature. Other women have <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/disgraced-dem-eric-swalwells-brazilian-nanny-has-entered-the-chat">alleged</a> unsolicited explicit images, coercive dynamics tied to professional relationships, and hotel encounters involving alcohol and unwanted advances.
Swalwell has denied all allegations and has not been charged criminally in connection with any of the claims, though he is under investigation. Mace argued public officials accused of abusing positions of power should face severe consequences if allegations are substantiated.
“If you are in a position of power, if you are a powerful politician, you must be removed from office,” Mace said. “That’s the only way we’re going to change the culture in this country — by starting at the top.”
Swalwell suspended his gubernatorial campaign in April following the publication of reports by CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle detailing allegations from multiple women. He is also reportedly facing investigations tied to separate allegations in both California and New York.
The controversy has continued to follow Swalwell months after the collapse of his campaign and resignation from congress with critics increasingly focusing not only on the allegations themselves, but on his continued use of disappearing-message platforms to communicate privately with women connected to the accusations.

Democratic Reps. Schiff, Swalwell, And Omar Discuss Committee Assignments

Disgraced Swalwell Torched Over Latest Creepy Behavior

Sexual Assault

Sexual Harassment

Arizona Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego partied late into the night at a Bogotá nightclub during an official trip to Colombia last year despite warnings that his life was in danger, according to a new report. 
Citing sources familiar with the August 2025 <a href="https://www.gallego.senate.gov/news/press-releases/icymi-senator-gallego-travels-to-colombia-on-congressional-delegation-trip/">trip</a>, Gallego, a close friend of disgraced ex-Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA), was informed of a credible threat to his life while attending a dinner with U.S. Embassy officials, NOTUS <a href="https://www.notus.org/senate/ruben-gallego-colombia-trip-embassy-threat">reported</a>. The outlet said the embassy employees advised him not to leave the embassy compound, but Gallego later went out to a club in Bogotá, where he remained until approximately 3:00 am.
The report also states that Gallego invited multiple U.S. Embassy personnel to join him at the nightclub. At least one female staffer was among those invited, according to NOTUS.
In a statement, a spokesman for Gallego disputed the report&#8217;s description of the evening, saying the senator “coordinated closely with embassy security throughout the trip, including on the evening in question, and followed all security guidance.” 
“While at dinner at the conclusion of a successful congressional delegation trip, the Senator and his Chief of Staff invited Embassy staff to join them, a common way to recognize the work of those who support these visits,” the spokesman said. “As one of the first Colombian-American Senators elected to Congress, Senator Gallego was proud of the work done in Colombia and looks forward to continuing efforts to strengthen U.S. ties in the Southern Hemisphere.”
Gallego’s trip focused on discussions with Colombian officials about “organized crime, the business climate, and China’s growing influence,” according to his office. 
The Arizona Democrat has come under increasing scrutiny due to his ties to Swalwell, who resigned from Congress after being accused of sexual assault and misconduct. Gallego, who once <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/democrat-lawmakers-pose-shirtless-while-riding-camels-on-qatar-trip-bought-by-special-interest-group-report">rode camels</a> shirtless in Qatar with Swalwell, initially defended his friendship before accusing him of living a double life. 
“I’ve read the San Francisco Chronicle’s reporting and I take it seriously,” he <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/swalwells-dem-buddies-flee-like-rats-after-sexual-assault-allegation">said</a>. “What is described is indefensible. Women who come forward with accounts like this deserve to be heard with respect, not questioned or dismissed.”

Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act

Swalwell’s Best Buddy In Congress Partied Hard In Colombia On Work Trip

Arizona

Colombia

Congress

Senate

Billionaire and California Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer just won the endorsement of Our Revolution, a political action group backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), which routinely voices opposition to the existence of billionaires.
The group addressed the irony of the endorsement head on, acknowledging Steyer’s billionaire status in a press release, adding that ”it matters what he is doing with that power: pushing for taxes on the wealthy, expanding universal programs, and dismantling corporate influence in our politics.”
“Tom Steyer understands that California’s affordability crisis is not inevitable — it’s the result of a political system shaped by concentrated wealth and corporate power at the expense of working people,” Our Revolution Executive Director Joseph Geevarghese said in a statement.
“At a moment when too many defend the status quo, Tom has taken a different path — challenging the very system that benefits people like him,” he added. An X post from the organization pointed out that this is the first time they have endorsed a billionaire for public office.
Steyer said that he’s “honored” to get the endorsement and said that “as Governor, [he’ll] work tirelessly to realize our shared vision of a California that works for working people.”
The group’s <a href="https://ourrevolution.com/about-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> openly touts efforts to “Defund Oligarchy” and its goal to “eliminate in the influence of corporations, billionaires and consultants in our political process.”
Steyer, a climate activist who built his wealth from creating the hedge fund Farallon Capital, has a net worth of $2.4 billion, according to <a href="https://www.forbes.com/profile/thomas-steyer/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Forbes</a>. He has spent tens of millions dominating the airwaves in the Golden State, and he took similar actions when he unsuccessfully sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.
However, the endorsement comes as some data indicated he is the top polling Democrat in the upcoming top-two primary race on June 2, according to <a href="https://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/governor/general/2026/california/open_primary" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RealClearPolling</a>.
Eric Swalwell (D-CA) dropped out of the governor’s race and resigned from Congress after several sexual misconduct allegations, which shook up the contest since he had previously been considered the Democrats’ best shot.
The field of Democrats still remains wide open, however, with Steyer up going up against former Rep. Katie Porter, former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, among others.
Former California State Controller Betty Yee dropped out of the race on Monday, as she was polling poorly. Gov. Gavin Newsom has yet to endorse a successor.
Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco are still having a strong showing in polling data, however, indicating the slight possibility of a Republican lockout in the primary. The top two candidates in California&#8217;s &#8220;jungle primary,&#8221; regardless of party, will advance to the general election in November.

New York Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Holds Election Rally With Bernie Sanders And Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Bernie Sanders-Backed Group Hates Billionaires. They Just Endorsed One In Messy Governor’s Race.

Bernie Sanders

California

Tom Steyer

Comedian and HBO host Bill Maher joined in the wave of renewed scrutiny around former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA), who he described as a &#8220;f*cking creep&#8221; — which has prompted fresh debate in Washington over how long allegations and rumors can circulate inside political and media circles before ever becoming public.
Swalwell, once a prominent Democratic figure and frequent cable news guest during the Trump era, saw his political career collapse in a matter of days earlier this month after a series of sexual misconduct allegations surfaced publicly, including claims of rape and sexual assault. He has since suspended his California gubernatorial campaign, resigned from Congress, and acknowledged “mistakes” while denying the more serious accusations.
The speed of that fall has only intensified questions about what was known, and when. That surfaced again on Saturday when Bill Maher <a href="https://x.com/Ltrs_Frm_Across/status/2045538507238543768">addressed the situation on air</a>, describing what he said was a long-standing perception of Swalwell that never made it into mainstream reporting until recently.
WATCH:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
💥NEW: Bill Maher on Eric Swalwell: &#8220;We had him on a couple of times. Ask my staff: I never liked him. I don’t have good gaydar — but I got creepdar. I always thought this guy was a f*cking creep. I never liked him.&#8221; <a href="https://t.co/QCMWJoU0hw">pic.twitter.com/QCMWJoU0hw</a>
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) <a href="https://twitter.com/JasonJournoDC/status/2045491220541997305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2026</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
“Speaking of creepy stuff, have you been following the Eric Swalwell case here in California?” Maher said. “I got to say, we had him on a couple of times. Ask my staff. I never liked him. I don’t have good gaydar, but I got creepdar. I always thought this guy was a f*cking creep.”
Maher then broadened the point beyond Swalwell himself, arguing that similar patterns have played out repeatedly in American politics.
“I hear this so many times,” he said, pointing to figures like Bill Clinton, Bill Cosby, and Harvey Weinstein. “You know, it was an open secret in Arkansas. It was an open secret,” he said of Clinton-era allegations, drawing a comparison to other long-circulating claims that only later became public scandals.
“What is going on here, where it takes so long for the open secret to become public?” Maher asked. “I seem to remember that back in the old days … when JFK was President, we heard, well, the media used to protect politicians, and they knew what JFK was doing, but it was just something they didn’t report on. Is it any different now? Apparently not.”
The reference to John F. Kennedy underscored Maher’s broader argument: that media institutions, while more expansive today, still exercise selective judgment over what becomes public and when. Those comments come as new reporting and commentary continue to surface suggesting that concerns about Swalwell’s conduct were known inside political and media circles.
Former Democratic strategist Michael Trujillo warned in a <a href="https://x.com/mikehtrujillo/status/2043523203147178217">now-deleted post</a> that Swalwell’s past behavior would eventually surface during his gubernatorial run, referencing allegations involving interns and inappropriate conduct. Trujillo later said he removed the post after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from Swalwell’s campaign.
Separately, Politico <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/13/influencers-allegations-eric-swalwell-00869517?user_id=679d0ffd415ba72c220d02ff">reported</a> that Swalwell had “developed a reputation for unsavory and sometimes unwanted behavior toward women,” citing what it described as longstanding “whisper networks” among political insiders that rarely extended into public reporting.
The result is a familiar pattern in which reputational information circulates informally inside elite political and media environments but remains unreported until it becomes politically unavoidable.
That dynamic is now drawing renewed attention as Swalwell’s career unravels in real time, with questions mounting not only about the allegations themselves, but about why they took so long to surface publicly in a sustained way. And as that debate continues to grow, one question is increasingly hanging over the story: if everyone in Washington and California knew, why didn&#8217;t anyone say anything sooner?

Houston Rockets v Los Angeles Lakers

Watch Bill Maher Trash Eric Swalwell: ‘F*cking Creep’

Bill Maher Trashes 'F*cking Creep' Eric Swalwell, Says He's Proof That Media Protects Politicians

Bill Maher

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom sent a fundraising email shortly after former Rep. Eric Swalwell&#8217;s (D-CA) resignation amid sexual misconduct allegations, including rape accusations, using the vacancy to urge donors to help Democrats quickly reclaim the seat.
&#8220;With a very slim Republican majority in Congress, I was not going to give Mike Johnson even a single extra day before filling this seat,” Newsom wrote in the email, which was sent by his Campaign for Democracy PAC, according to <a href="https://x.com/jamesd0wns/status/2044510404596924828?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Journal</a>.
Swalwell stepped down Tuesday as multiple investigations were launched into the allegations. He is now under investigation by the Justice Department, the Manhattan District Attorney, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff&#8217;s Department. No charges have been filed against the Democrat, but the disturbing claims led to his resignation from Congress and exit from the California governor&#8217;s race.
At a Tuesday press conference, model Lonna Drewes accused Swalwell of raping her during an alleged 2018 encounter.
“He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness,” Drewes said. “And I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.”
At least one other woman has claimed that Swalwell raped her. Others alleged that the Democrat sent them inappropriate messages over Snapchat, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/10/us/eric-swalwell-sexual-misconduct-allegations-invs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a> reported.
Despite the nature of the allegations, Newsom&#8217;s email did not address them directly, instead focusing on the political stakes of the vacancy and the narrow Republican majority in the House.
The message concluded with a fundraising appeal from Newsom&#8217;s political action committee, asking recipients to donate $35.
Newsom has said the special election, scheduled for August 18, is the earliest date allowed under state law.
Republicans criticized the move, arguing Newsom has not shown the same urgency in similar situations.
Besides rape accusations, others alleged that the Democrat sent them inappropriate messages over Snapchat, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/10/us/eric-swalwell-sexual-misconduct-allegations-invs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a> reported.
The timing has drawn criticism from Republicans, who argue Newsom has not applied the same urgency in similar situations.
The Daily Wire previously reported that Newsom scheduled a special election for the late to fill the late Rep. Doug LaMalfa&#8217;s (R-CA) right-leaning seat months after his death earlier this year. In another case, the seat of former Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) remained vacant for nearly a year following his 2020 resignation. can Hunter (R-CA) was left vacant for nearly a year following his resignation in 2020.
“It’s another example of how Gavin Newsom, he doesn’t care about stripping people of their voice and their representation as long as it politically benefits him,” state Assemblyman Carl DeMaio (R-CA) told <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/newsom-accused-of-running-the-clock-differently-depending-on-who-it-helps?author=Cameron+Arcand&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=2&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Newsom+Accused+Of+Running+The+Clock+Differently+Depending+On+Who+It+Helps" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Wire</a>.
Republicans currently hold a narrow 218-213 majority in the House, raising the stakes for quickly filling vacant seats.
The Daily Wire reached out to the Newsom’s PAC and office for comment.

62. Munich Security Conference

Following Rape Accusations Against Swalwell, Newsom Fundraises Off His Ouster

2026 election

Gavin Newsom

Mike Johnson

Eric Swalwell has ended his campaign for California governor and resigned from Congress, saying he wants to spend more time with his family, a drunken staffer, and the woman he has imprisoned in the oubliette in his basement. Swalwell made his decision after several women accused him of doing what everyone knew he was doing but no one said he was doing until it turned out his crappy gubernatorial campaign might get a Republican elected in California.
Swalwell said the charges that he pestered, assaulted and even raped women were as untrue as the charges Swalwell himself leveled against Brett Kavanaugh, if you didn’t count all the women Swalwell pestered, assaulted and raped. In a statement Swalwell issued while simultaneously attempting to keep a straight face, the former congressman said: “I want to declare categorically that I never had non-consensual sex with a Chinese spy and when I did have sex with a Chinese spy, I not only had her consent but the consent of the entire Chinese Communist Party. Even then, I never once shared with her any of the classified information I was privy to on the House Intelligence Committee, except a few times when I might have shouted out the occasional tidbit in the throes of ecstasy, which could have happened to anyone because the Chinese teach their spies to do some amazing, amazing stuff in the sack. As for the other women I forced myself on, those assaults were totally consensual. And sure, some of those babes might have been drunk at the time, but it’s not my fault if they can’t hold their roofies.”
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/episode/ep-1275-dumb-dumber-and-progressive?contentProgram=The%20Andrew%20Klavan%20Show&amp;contentType=ShowEpisode&amp;elementPosition=2&amp;location=Home%20Tab&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Home%20Featured%20Carousel"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-974735 aligncenter" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/Klavan-watch-now-1024x171.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="171" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/Klavan-watch-now-1024x171.jpg 1024w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/Klavan-watch-now-300x50.jpg 300w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/Klavan-watch-now-768x128.jpg 768w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/Klavan-watch-now-1536x256.jpg 1536w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2025/09/Klavan-watch-now.jpg 1800w" sizes=" (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a>
Swalwell is also accused of sending women pictures of his penis in the belief that somewhere in our infinite multiverse with its numberless versions of reality, there exists an alternate timeline which includes a woman who wants to see a picture of Eric Swalwell’s penis, a belief that turned out to be entirely untrue.
Swalwell’s fellow Democrats said they were absolutely shocked to find out he had been doing what they knew he’d been doing, and said they would have spoken out earlier had they known what they obviously knew. Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, for instance, said, “If I had for one moment suspected what I was absolutely sure of, I would never have allowed Swalwell to remain on the Intelligence Committee while he was clearly banging a Chinese spy.” Pelosi then vanished, as her entire body was subsumed by the bottomless moral emptiness within her, but Democrats said they nonetheless hoped to convince her to run for re-election.
Other leftist hacks were also stunned to learn what they already knew. For instance, the New York Times, a former newspaper, ran an editorial that said, “It is long past time that we as a society learned to believe all women who were too drunk to remember what actually happened, and then went for years pretending it hadn’t happened, and then said it happened but were too drunk to remember what it was. Swalwell is a married man, and this paper feels it is wrong to commit adultery when your crappy gubernatorial campaign might get a Republican elected. Otherwise, of course, we recommend adultery as a fun way to freshen up your marriage, until not only your family but hopefully the American family as an institution falls to pieces, leading to the collapse of liberty, which would allow wise elites like ourselves to impose a socialist paradise or at least kill anyone who says it’s not a paradise, which amounts to the same thing.”
Feminists also attacked Swalwell. Stanford Professor of Advanced Hostility Susan Shrike, author of the bestselling feminist tract “I Almost Hate You More Than Myself,” spoke to reporters in an ear-splitting skirl of inhuman sound, saying, “The worst aspect of Swalwell’s behavior is that he makes it seem as if feminists should not have supported a sexual revolution that denied the procreative purpose of sex and its accompanying moral restrictions. That would mean feminists were wrong about everything, and we feminists don’t believe that because we’re wrong about everything. And while we’re on the subject of Eric Swalwell, where’s that picture of his penis he promised me?”
* * *
This excerpt is taken from the opening satirical monologue of “<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/show/the-andrew-klavan-show" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Andrew Klavan Show</a>.”
Andrew Klavan is the host of “The Andrew Klavan Show” at The Daily Wire. Klavan is the bestselling author of numerous books, including the Cameron Winter Mystery series. The fifth installment, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/After-That-Cameron-Winter-Mysteries/dp/1613166869/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EGZUC370LG46&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Y_NI0mDOKeowShheDQTVx5NH-fAeimJoCD56_T0Acpl8C0mup7uJf-nGGSRLEItaaekoDnvS2vWLMa4Zd2UBXQ8Y-g-P502jOWz-Y8IX3ZQsdlO7WMLrg1xIhNoKmjCorSWUR4C2l_RbiZ7apJ1MfPzGOrrEf7AdAXX6xwnJRVP_XqUfWuMuVthTWscaU3P4vgmS86-96n-721enHfX12CFQWTajqFbVnrsDkexfUf4.6_gTH6h1Bb9Pn375QdF_VAVZSayDvjQBBKGXE-MTiFo&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=klavan&amp;qid=1754049918&amp;sprefix=%2Caps%2C80&amp;sr=8-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">After That, The Dark,</a> is NOW AVAILABLE. Follow him on X: <a href="https://x.com/andrewklavan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@andrewklavan</a>.

FBI Director Kash Patel Testifies In Hearings On Capitol Hill

Democrats Shocked Over Swalwell ‘Surprise Party’ They RSVP’d To Years Ago

Democrats Shocked Over Swalwell 'Surprise Party' They RSVP’d To Years Ago

Andrew Klavan

Humor

MeToo

Satire

The Department of Justice is investigating former Congressman Eric Swalwell for alleged sexual assault, a source familiar told The Daily Wire Thursday.
The disgraced California Democrat is already under investigation for two separate sexual assault incidents by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Few details are known about the Justice Department investigation, which <a href="https://www.notus.org/courts/eric-swalwell-justice-department-investigation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NOTUS</a> first reported Thursday.
Several women have come forward accusing Swalwell of sexual harassment or assault, with the allegations ranging from rape to sending inappropriate images over Snapchat.
“He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness,” model Lonna Drewes told reporters in California on Tuesday regarding a 2018 incident at a West Hollywood hotel. “And I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.”
“My delay in taking action against Eric was driven by fear, not doubt. Fear of his political power, his background as an attorney, and his family law enforcement ties,” she continued.
Swalwell resigned from Congress on Tuesday after dropping out of the California governor’s race over the weekend.
“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make,” Swalwell said in a statement on Monday.
United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro set up a tip line for possible leads related to Swalwell in the nation’s capital.
“We’ve gotten some, but we’re trying to make sense as to whether or not they involve this jurisdiction or whether they involve a crime at all,” Pirro told <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/jeanine-pirro-breaks-down-why-swalwell-could-face-decades-behind-bars?author=Cameron+Arcand&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=1&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=EXCLUSIVE%3A+Jeanine+Pirro+Breaks+Down+Why+Swalwell+Could+Face+Decades+Behind+Bars" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Wire</a> on Wednesday. “We have to go through a process where we actually review that and not just count the numbers.”
However, she said if he is charged and convicted of rape, he could face years behind bars. Swalwell has yet to be arrested or criminally charged in any case.
“Let’s just put it this way. Based upon an allegation that’s already been made of possibly drugging, choking, and then raping a woman,” Pirro said. “You’re talking about decades in prison,” Pirro added.

Swalwell Under Federal Investigation For Alleged Sexual Assault

justice department

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing pushback for the timing of the special election to replace former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) in the Bay Area congressional district.
The special runoff election is set for August 18, but the primary will occur on June 16 in the deep blue district where Swalwell won his last election by nearly 36 percent — approximately two months after the congressman&#8217;s resignation.
Compare that to the timeline to replace Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), who passed away in early January: a special election primary won&#8217;t take place until June 2 before a potential runoff on August 4 in the deeply Republican district. In either primary race, a candidate needs over 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff.
Additionally, in January 2020, following the resignation of Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Gov. Newsom faced scrutiny over the decision not to have a special election at all, which left the seat vacant for almost an entire year.
“Ask Greg Abbott about the 18th congressional district in Texas,” Brandon Richards, deputy director for Rapid Response for Newsom’s office, told The Daily Wire when asked about the unusual timing. In Texas’ 18th Congressional District, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) faced criticism from Democrats over the seat being left open for over a year.
“It&#8217;s another example of how Gavin Newsom, he doesn&#8217;t care about stripping people of their voice and their representation as long as it politically benefits him,” State Assemblyman Carl DeMaio (R-CA) said. DeMaio was a vocal critic of the decision to keep Hunter’s seat vacant, according to <a href="https://www.politico.com/states/california/story/2020/01/08/duncan-hunter-seat-will-remain-vacant-as-newsom-forgoes-special-election-1247432" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Politico</a>.
“If it’s a Republican seat, [Newsom] won&#8217;t call the special election at all, or he&#8217;ll try to delay it for as long as possible, as he did with LaMalfa. And if it&#8217;s a Democrat seat, ‘Oh, my goodness,’ he&#8217;s gonna basically stretch and tear every single logistical hurdle, in order to get the seat filled,” the lawmaker added.
Republicans currently hold an extremely narrow 218-213 majority in the House of Representatives, as mid-decade redistricting will drastically change the maps in California, Texas, and other states until after the 2030 census data is evaluated.
California added five Democrat-leaning seats for the November election with the passage of Prop. 50, while Texas added five Republican-leaning seats. Other states have taken similar measures, including Virginia, which will vote on April 21 on whether to create a 10-1 Democrat-leaning map.
Swalwell resigned on Tuesday following multiple allegations of sexual assault and harassment. He also opted to suspend his campaign to become California’s next governor — though many surveys showed that he was the highest polling Democrat in the crowded top-two primary — but he lost nearly all of his endorsements when the allegations became public.
“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make,” he said in a statement as an expulsion vote loomed over him.
“Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong. But it’s also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties,” Swalwell wrote. “Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress. I will work with my staff in the coming days to ensure they are able, in my absence, to serve the needs of the good people of the 14th congressional district.”

Newsom Accused Of Running The Clock Differently Depending On Who It Helps

Republicans

Former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) could face decades behind bars if he is convicted of rape, United States Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro told The Daily Wire on Wednesday.
Swalwell resigned on Tuesday afternoon following multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, including two allegations of sexual assault. One stems from an alleged 2018 incident in West Hollywood, California, while other claims are reportedly under investigation in New York City by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
“Let’s just put it this way. Based upon an allegation that&#8217;s already been made of possibly drugging, choking, and then raping a woman,” Pirro said. “You&#8217;re talking about decades in prison.”
Pirro said her office is reviewing tips she has received since Tuesday. She <a href="https://x.com/USAttyPirro/status/2044172473852157969?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">posted to X</a>, urging “anyone with credible information or complaints involving similar conduct in the District of Columbia to contact my office’s hotline 202-252-0809.”
“We&#8217;ve gotten some, but we&#8217;re trying to make sense as to whether or not they involve this jurisdiction or whether they involve a crime at all,” Pirro said. “We have to go through a process where we actually review that and not just count the numbers.”
She added that while there are no other members of Congress currently on her radar, she believes the culture of exploited power dynamics on Capitol Hill appears to be going strong.
“The old boy network is alive and well, and it is infuriating, especially with someone like me who&#8217;s been prosecuting these cases since the early &#8217;80s,” Pirro noted.
“There is silence, and there is secrecy, and unfortunately, there&#8217;s a failure by Congress to hold its own members accountable,” she added. “But when you think about it, who has more power than someone in Congress? You know, their power is wielded on a daily basis. They make laws, they repeal laws, they amend laws. This is an incredible imbalance in the power between a perpetrator and a victim,” she said. “Those of us who&#8217;ve been in the trenches, biting this stuff for decades, just keep thinking it gets better, but it doesn&#8217;t. And this has to stop.”
Swalwell has not been formally charged in connection with the allegations, including the 2018 California incident described at a press conference on Tuesday.
“He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness,” model <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/new-accusers-the-fbi-yacht-girls-things-go-from-bad-to-worse-for-swalwell?author=Cameron+Arcand&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=1&amp;row=0&amp;rowType=Vertical+List&amp;title=Swalwell+Accuser+Claims+Dem+Drugged%2C+Choked%2C+And+Raped+Her%3A+%E2%80%98I+Thought+I+Died%E2%80%99" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lonna Drewes</a> alleged. “And I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.”
“My delay in taking action against Eric was driven by fear, not doubt. Fear of his political power, his background as an attorney, and his family law enforcement ties,” Drewes added.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff&#8217;s Department is investigating the allegations, <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/los-angeles-county-eric-swalwell-sexual-assault-allegation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CBS News</a> reported.
Despite his resignation from Congress and decision to exit the California governor’s race, Swalwell said Monday that he “will fight the serious, false allegation made against me,&#8221; prior to the second rape accuser coming forward.
&#8220;However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make,” he stated.
In total, five individuals have publicly accused the former congressman of misconduct, including allegations that he sent inappropriate images over Snapchat to young women, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/10/us/eric-swalwell-sexual-misconduct-allegations-invs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CNN</a> reported.

Eric SwalwellJeanine Pirro Split

EXCLUSIVE: Jeanine Pirro Breaks Down Why Swalwell Could Face Decades Behind Bars

Crime

Jeanine Pirro

Washington DC

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) announced Friday that he plans to resign amid swirling sexual misconduct allegations — but a fifth accuser came forward on Tuesday alleging a 2018 rape at a hotel in West Hollywood, California, a flood of controversial videos of the lawmaker have surfaced, and he could even face questions from the FBI.
A fifth accuser came forward with the second allegation of sexual assault at a press conference in Beverly Hills on Tuesday morning.
“He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness,” model <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/swalwell-accuser-claims-dem-drugged-choked-and-raped-her?topStoryPosition=undefined&amp;author=Jacob+Wheeler&amp;category=News&amp;elementPosition=2&amp;row=1&amp;rowHeadline=Top+Stories&amp;rowType=Top+Stories&amp;title=Swalwell+Accuser+Claims+Dem+Drugged%2C+Choked%2C+And+Raped+Her" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lonna Drewes</a> told reporters. “And I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.”
“My delay in taking action against Eric was driven by fear, not doubt. Fear of his political power, his background as an attorney, and his family law enforcement ties,” Drewes she added, saying she will now be filing a police report against the lawmaker.
In addition, a Sept. 2022 video surfaced on Monday that showed Swalwell cavorting on a yacht in the French Riviera, which also had a large group of young women partying on board, according to <a href="https://pagesix.com/2026/04/13/celebrity-news/bleary-eyed-eric-swalwell-wears-a-robe-parties-with-yacht-girls-during-hush-hush-st-tropez-blow-out-wild-video-shows/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Page Six</a>.
<div id="attachment_1077465" style="width: 354px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1077465" class="wp-image-1077465 size-large" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-11.32.31-AM-344x576.png" alt="Young women at a yacht party Swalwell attended in 2022. " width="344" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-11.32.31-AM-344x576.png 344w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-11.32.31-AM-179x300.png 179w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-11.32.31-AM.png 752w" sizes=" (max-width: 344px) 100vw, 344px" />Young women at a yacht party Swalwell attended in 2022. (Nik Richie/Instagram)</div>
“The people on the boat were told to keep it hush-hush about Swalwell being on the trip,” a source told the outlet regarding the trip, where Swalwell was shown in the video sporting a robe. “They were told everything stays on the boat.”
“Leave future California Governor [Swalwell] alone. He is a good guy (sarcasm) — SEPT 2022,” <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXAhloHkgY0/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nik Richie</a>, who posted the video, captioned the recent Instagram post.
<div id="attachment_1077463" style="width: 342px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-1077463" class="wp-image-1077463 size-large" src="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-11.33.27-AM-332x576.png" alt="Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) on a yacht in 2022 while wearing a rope. " width="332" height="576" srcset="https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-11.33.27-AM-332x576.png 332w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-11.33.27-AM-173x300.png 173w, https://dw-wp-production.imgix.net/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-14-at-11.33.27-AM.png 729w" sizes=" (max-width: 332px) 100vw, 332px" />Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) on a yacht in 2022 while wearing a robe. (Nik Richie/Instagram)</div>
The congressman, who suspended his campaign for California governor, is under investigation for an alleged sexual assault in New York City by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, as FBI Director Kash Patel also wants to learn more about the various allegations.
“[Swalwell] has maintained that none of the allegations against him are true, and now that he’s resigned, we would welcome him to sit down with the FBI and share any information he has,” Patel posted to X on Tuesday.
The claims range from assault to sending inappropriate images over Snapchat.
“We also encourage and welcome any person with relevant information to any of these matters to speak with us. Door is open to all,” Patel added, also sharing the number for the bureau’s tip line.
In an interview with CBS News, two of the women accusing Swalwell explained their decision to come forward after social media rumors exploded last week — even before any specifics had been revealed.
“I didn’t tell anybody for years out of fear,” Annika Albrecht, who said that Swalwell offered to “mentor” her, then added her on Snapchat, saying that he later invited her to a hotel.
“It was very clear what the connotation was,” she said, saying she believes she was “all alone” in her experience with him.
Ally Sammarco also told <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/annika-albrecht-ally-sammarco-cheyenne-hunt-eric-swalwell-interview/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CBS News</a> that she Snapchatted with the congressman multiple times, and she said that had included him sending an unsolicited photo of his genitals.
“I think we just prevented another 30 to 40 years of him potentially harming people if he were to stay in Congress. In that sense, I think we have served justice for his future victims who won’t exist anymore,” she said.
Swalwell said in a statement on Monday evening that he is “deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past.&#8221;
“I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make,” he added.
Swalwell officially resigned from Congress on Tuesday afternoon. Rep. <a href="https://x.com/RepLuna/status/2044047389699219487?s=20" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anna Paulina Luna</a> (R-FL) said on Tuesday that if he does not resign by the afternoon, she would move forward with the expulsion effort against him.
“If Congressman Swalwell has not resigned with the Clerk of the House by 2 PM today, I will continue my resolution regarding his expulsion. His statement about his &#8216;plan to resign his seat&#8217; is not binding and is wormy. The same goes for Tony,” Luna wrote of embattled Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), who is embroiled in a scandal of his own.
When it comes to his desire to fight the allegations, Attorney Marc Randazza, who specializes in the First Amendment, told The Daily Wire in a statement that the lawmaker would have a tough time suing.
“Public figures like Eric Swalwell only win defamation cases if they can prove a false statement of fact made with ‘actual malice’. That doesn’t mean ‘maliciously,’ it means knowingly lying or showing a reckless disregard for the truth. That’s a hard case even for a respected public figure and Swalwell didn’t have much respect going into this,&#8221; Randazza said.

yacht_swalwell (1)

Swalwell Accuser Claims Dem Drugged, Choked, And Raped Her: ‘I Thought I Died’

House of Representatives

A 5th woman on Tuesday accused disgraced Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell of sexual assault, alleging the lawmaker drugged her drink and raped her in Southern California. 
Lonna Drewes, a model who also owned a fashion software company in Beverly Hills, explained at a Tuesday press conference with her attorneys that she had contact with Swalwell in 2018 on three separate occasions. 
“I knew he was married at the time and that his wife was pregnant. He was my friend,&#8221; Drewes said. “On the third occasion, I believe he drugged my drink.” 
During their third meeting, Drewes said she only had one glass of wine. She went with Swalwell to his hotel room for &#8220;paperwork&#8221; he claimed to need — and by the time they arrived at his hotel room, she had become incapacitated and unable to move her body.
“He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness,&#8221; Drewes said at the press conference. “And I thought I died. I did not consent to any sexual activity.” 
Drewes said she did not immediately seek a rape kit but documented the alleged assault in her handwritten calendar and later discussed it during therapy sessions at a sexual assault center in Connecticut.
“My delay in taking action against Eric was driven by fear, not doubt. Fear of his political power, his background as an attorney, and his family law enforcement ties,&#8221; Drewes said, adding that she will soon be making a formal report to law enforcement.
Swalwell&#8217;s attorney, Sara Azari, said the former congressman &#8220;categorically and unequivocally denies&#8221; all allegations of sexual misconduct.
&#8220;These accusations are false, fabricated, and deeply offensive – a calculated and transparent political hit job designed to destroy the reputation of a man who has spent twenty years in public service,&#8221; <a href="https://x.com/azarilaw/status/2044144837113344170?s=20">Azaria said in a statement. </a>
&#8220;We are confident the truth will prevail, and we will pursue every available legal remedy against those responsible for orchestrating this reprehensible campaign of lies,&#8221; she added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EricSwalwell?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EricSwalwell</a> <a href="https://t.co/5MlEKU0rfo">pic.twitter.com/5MlEKU0rfo</a>
— Sara Azari (@azarilaw) <a href="https://twitter.com/azarilaw/status/2044144837113344170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2026</a></blockquote>
Lisa Bloom, the attorney for Lonna Drewes, says that three other women have reached out to her since she announced a press conference yesterday.
“Justice now are the criminal investigations,” Bloom said. “Losing one’s job is not a sufficient consequence for these types of allegations.”
Bloom called Swalwell&#8217;s response to the sexual assault allegations a &#8220;slap in the face to the victims.&#8221;
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“Your recent statement that you’re ‘just not perfect,’ you&#8217;re not a saint, is just blather and spin. Stop it,&#8221; Bloom said. &#8220;Own your behavior.&#8221;
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BREAKING: Attorney Lisa Bloom rips Eric Swalwell while sitting beside one of the disgraced congressman&#8217;s alleged victims, calling the Democrat&#8217;s recent statement about the sexual misconduct accusations levied against him a &#8220;slap in the face to the victims.&#8221; <a href="https://t.co/bqMHTTpHSB">pic.twitter.com/bqMHTTpHSB</a>
— Fox News (@FoxNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews/status/2044097867250291116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2026</a></blockquote>
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This is a breaking news story. Stay with The Daily Wire as more details unfold.

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Swalwell Accuser Claims Dem Drugged, Choked, And Raped Her

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