From NBC News: Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., is asking the FBI not to release files related to his past association with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative named Christine Fang, known as “Fang Fang.”
In a cease and desist letter sent by Swalwell’s lawyers to FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday, Swalwell, a leading Democratic candidate in California’s governor’s race, asked that Patel and the FBI agree in writing by Wednesday not to release the files.
“The Congressman has never been accused of wrongdoing in that matter and your attempt to release the file is a transparent attempt to smear him and undermine his campaign for Governor of California,” attorneys Norm Eisen and Sean Hecker wrote. “Your actions threaten to expose you, others at the FBI, and the FBI itself to significant legal liability.”
The Washington Post reported last week that Patel himself is working to release a decade-old investigative file involving Swalwell and Fang, who allegedly sought to develop ties to politicians in California and elsewhere, despite no evidence of wrongdoing by the congressman. The Post first reported the letter from Swalwell, who is an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump.
The letter to Patel claims that releasing the investigative files without Swalwell’s permission would violate his First Amendment rights.
Swalwell has denied that he did anything wrong in his relationship with Fang Fang, and his lawyers insist that he actually assisted the FBI in their investigation of her.
In a post on X after the Washington Post announced Patel’s plans to release the files, Swalwell posted the following statement:
“Through great reporting, we now know the outrageous ends the White House will go to target political opponents. The reason Trump is so desperately trying to stop me is not because I’m running for Governor of California but because now I’m the favorite.
“But Donald Trump and Kash Patel do not get to pick the next Governor. Californians do.”
My statement on the Washington Post investigation. pic.twitter.com/sU9zaZVsFO
— Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell) March 28, 2026
“Donald Trump is targeting me. He’s trying to influence the election. There is only one reason why: he’s scared,” Swalwell taunted.
Donald Trump is targeting me. He’s trying to influence the election.
There is only one reason why: he’s scared.https://t.co/met9zdT5S1
— Eric Swalwell (@ericswalwell) March 28, 2026
Swalwell also defended himself in a CNN interview on Tuesday:
“I’m not hiding under the bed. I’m not going to flinch.”@RepSwalwell speaks to OutFront after sending a cease-and-desist letter to FBI Director Kash Patel pic.twitter.com/8b8vr3hTRK
— Erin Burnett OutFront (@OutFrontCNN) April 1, 2026
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