Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) warned on CNN Monday that Democrats plan to pursue private citizens who enter agreements with the Trump administration if they secure a majority in the House of Representatives during the 2026 midterm elections. The statement follows Democratic criticisms of what they describe as the Department of Justice being used as a tool against President Trump’s political adversaries, particularly after former FBI Director James Comey’s indictment.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to these claims last week, stating, “It is NOT ‘weaponizing the Department of Justice’ to demand accountability for those who weaponized the Department of Justice.” She referenced Democrats’ years-long efforts to prosecute Trump and his allies, adding, “Nobody knows what that looks like more than President Trump. We are not going to tolerate this gaslighting.”
Swalwell expressed confidence in Democratic prospects for 2026, telling CNN host Kate Bolduan, “We have every intention” of securing the House majority despite the party’s low approval ratings. He emphasized plans to enforce oversight and accountability, including subpoenaing the Department of Justice and “private actors who have struck deals with the administration.”
The congressman specifically cited college campuses, entertainment companies, and law firms as potential targets, framing his remarks as a warning to deter individuals from engaging with the Trump administration. “Accountability is coming,” he said, adding, “I hope that deters people from doing more of these deals.”
Swalwell, who serves on the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on the Judiciary, was removed from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in 2023 over allegations involving a suspected Chinese spy.
