Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) warned on CNN Monday that Democrats plan to target private citizens who have engaged in deals with the Trump administration if they secure a majority in the House of Representatives during the 2026 midterm elections. The statement came as Democrats criticized what they describe as the Department of Justice being weaponized against President Trump’s political opponents following former FBI Director James Comey’s indictment.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the claims during a daily press briefing, 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 the Democrats’ 2026 prospects, telling CNN host Kate Bolduan, “We have every intention” of gaining a House majority despite the party’s low approval ratings. He pledged to pursue “oversight, accountability,” and to subpoena the Department of Justice, as well as “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 collaborating 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 his role on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in 2023 over allegations of an affair with a suspected Chinese spy.
