21st November 2025
Washington is heating up again, and at the center of the latest controversy is Rep. Eric Swalwell a longtime and outspoken Trump critic now facing renewed scrutiny. According to sources familiar with the matter, a top Trump-era housing official has formally referred Swalwell to the Justice Department for a potential federal criminal investigation involving alleged mortgage and tax fraud tied to a Washington, D.C., property.
The referral comes from Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), who alleges in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi that Swalwell may have made false or misleading statements in mortgage paperwork. The claims involve several million dollars in loans, refinancing, and whether Swalwell listed Washington, D.C., as his primary residence.
The referral didn’t stop there it’s now in the hands of the FHFA’s acting inspector general, escalating the situation even more.
Swalwell says the referral didn’t shock him to him, it’s simply political.
In a statement to NBC News, he said:
“As the most vocal critic of Donald Trump over the last decade… I’m only surprised it took this long to come after me.”
A Pattern? Multiple Democrats Recently Referred
Swalwell joins a growing list of Democrats caught up in these referral filings. In recent months, Pulte has referred:
- New York AG Letitia James
- Sen. Adam Schiff
- Fed Governor Lisa Cook
All have denied any wrongdoing. All have been vocal critics of Trump.
NBC News previously reported that Bondi appointed a special attorney to examine the allegations involving Schiff and James.
The moves come as Trump continues to publicly push for the prosecution of political opponents something critics say raises questions about selective enforcement and political retaliation.
What’s at the Center of the Swalwell Allegation?
According to a source with knowledge of the referral, the claims include:
- Large loan and refinance amounts
- Residency declarations tied to Washington, D.C.
- Potential discrepancies in mortgage filings
- Allegations of tax and insurance fraud
The Justice Department has not commented.
Pulte insists the investigation is all about mortgage laws nothing to do with politics, he says.
“If you commit mortgage fraud, we are going to report it,” he said on CNBC.
But the political backdrop is impossible to ignore.
Swalwell and Trump: A Long, Heated History
Swalwell has clashed repeatedly with Trump since 2016.
He was:
- One of the earliest Democrats pushing for an investigation into Russian interference
- A key figure in both impeachment proceedings
- A consistent critic of Trump’s policies and conduct
Swalwell has long said he knew this moment was coming.
“I fully expect to be prosecuted by the Trump administration… I’m ready for it.” CNN interview
Trump allies have also repeatedly resurfaced accusations that Swalwell had ties to a suspected Chinese spy a claim Swalwell has denied, and one which the House Ethics Committee closed in 2023 with no findings of wrongdoing.
Internal Conflicts Inside FHFA
The Wall Street Journal says several Fannie Mae watchdogs later removed were digging into whether Pulte improperly pulled mortgage records on Democrats, something the FHFA flatly rejects.
FHFA responded:
Anonymous sources are attempting to obstruct the criminal justice system by fabricating claims.
Pulte says his investigations rely on public records.
Table: Key Elements of the Swalwell Mortgage Referral Case
| Issue | Details | What It Means |
| Referral source | FHFA Director Bill Pulte | High-level federal official initiated action |
| Allegations | Mortgage, tax, insurance fraud | Claims focused on DC property financing |
| DOJ involvement | Awaiting comment | DOJ hasn’t confirmed a probe yet |
| Political context | Swalwell is a top Trump critic | Raises concerns about political motivations |
| Additional referrals | James, Schiff, Cook | Pattern of targeting Democrats |
| Swalwell’s response | Calls it a political attack | Says he won’t be intimidated |
Poll: Do You Think the Referral Is Politically Motivated?
FAQs
Not yet. A referral does not guarantee a federal investigation. The DOJ has not confirmed an inquiry.
The referral alleges false statements in mortgage documents, residency issues, and potential tax/insurance fraud.
Bill Pulte, the Trump-era FHFA director.
Yes Letitia James, Adam Schiff, and Fed Governor Lisa Cook have also been referred recently.
Swalwell says it is. Critics argue the pattern suggests political targeting. Supporters say mortgage fraud laws apply equally.
Conclusion: A Referral That Could Become a Flashpoint
The referral of Eric Swalwell to the Justice Department highlights a growing and increasingly tense dynamic between Trump allies and some of his most outspoken critics. Whether the allegations hold weight or not, the political implications are undeniable.
With previous referrals targeting Democratic figures and a long history of animosity between Trump and Swalwell, this moment lands at the center of a larger national debate about power, accountability, and political retaliation.
For now, the future of the case rests with the Justice Department but the political fallout has already begun.
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