Swalwell Says His Relationship With Alleged Chinese Spy Definitely Didn’t Compromise U.S. Security

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D. CA) stated in an interview that his relationship with a Chinese spy was not a threat to U.S. security.

Swalwell made the remarks during an interview broadcast on CNN’s “State of the Union” On Sunday, while discussing being kicked off of the House Intelligence Committee.

“Did you put yourself in a vulnerable position in any way, so that this alleged Chinese spy could have benefited or even learned American secrets?” Bash asked.

“Absolutely not,” Swalwell replied. “But, Dana, don’t take my word for it. Take the FBI’s word for it. They never talk about ongoing investigations. And former Chairman [Adam] Schiff knows this, as a member of the Gang of Eight. Three different times, they came out and said two things. All I did was help them and, also, I was never under any suspicion of wrongdoing.”

“This is some Bakersfield B.S. It’s Kevin McCarthy weaponizing his ability to commit this political abuse, because he perceives me, just like Mr. Schiff and Ms. Omar, as an effective political opponent,” Swalwell has been added.

WATCH:

Eric Swalwell, Democrat says he has not compromised national security because of his past relationships with a Chinese spy. pic.twitter.com/CvTVzsdtbi

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) January 29, 2023

TRANSCRIPT:

DANA BASH, CNN HOST: On that, Congressman, you were also removed by Republicans from the Intelligence Committee. According to the speaker, you were accused of being a Chinese spy who, starting in 2012, developed ties to your office and to you. He also placed an intern there and raised campaign funds.

You stated clearly that you broke off all ties to this person in 2015 after you learned about it. You cooperated the FBI. The bottom line is this. Was it possible to put yourself in a weaker position so that an alleged Chinese spy could gain access to American secrets, or even learn them?

REP. ERIC SWALWELL – D-CA: Absolutely not.

But, Dana, don’t take my word for it. Take the FBI’s word for it. They do not talk about ongoing investigations. This is something that former Chairman Schiff, a Gang of Eight member, knows. They said the same thing three times. I only did my best to help them, and I was never suspected of any wrongdoing.

But, more than that, Chairman — Speaker Boehner was briefed on this investigation. He could have fired me, as Speaker McCarthy did. He didn’t. Devin Nunes, who was chair of the Intelligence Committee had never made any public comments about it. Paul Ryan would have had access to the same investigation and he reappointed me to this committee.

Donald Trump, who at every rally vilified me, had more access to classified info than anyone on the planet. If he could have used that to pursue me, you’d know. There’s nothing there.

I did what every American should do. This is Bakersfield B.S. It’s Kevin McCarthy weaponizing his ability to commit this political abuse, because he perceives me, just like Mr. Schiff and Ms. Omar, as an effective political opponent.