Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) is escalating his rhetoric against the Trump White House, warning chief of staff Susie Wiles to preserve internal communications as he vows to launch investigations into what he claims is political “retribution” by President Donald Trump.
The threat follows months of controversy surrounding criminal referrals involving prominent Democrats, including Swalwell himself, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA), and New York Attorney General Letitia James—cases Democrats have repeatedly framed as evidence of a politicized justice system, despite a lack of formal charges to date.
In a video posted Monday to his social media accounts, Swalwell said he had formally put Trump officials “on notice,” citing remarks by Wiles in a recent Vanity Fair interview that he claims amount to an admission that Trump is willing to pursue perceived enemies when opportunities arise.
“I want you to hear from me first. I’m going on offense against Donald Trump, and I just put senior Trump officials on notice,” Swalwell said. “Donald Trump once again is trying to weaponize the Department of Justice to go after his enemies list. That’s me, Adam Schiff, Tish James, and (Federal Reserve Governor) Lisa Cook.”
Background: Referrals, Not Charges
The confrontation comes after Trump-appointed Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte referred Swalwell to the Justice Department earlier this year over alleged mortgage and tax irregularities. Swalwell dismissed the referral as politically motivated. Similar referrals or allegations have been made against Schiff and James, though James’ case was dismissed in early December.
Republicans have argued that referrals themselves are routine and that Democrats are attempting to preemptively discredit oversight efforts by framing them as retaliation—particularly given Democrats’ own extensive use of investigations, subpoenas, and prosecutions during Trump’s first term.
The Vanity Fair Interview That Sparked the Fallout
Swalwell’s latest escalation centers on comments made by Wiles—widely viewed as one of Trump’s most disciplined and media-averse operatives—in an unusually candid Vanity Fair interview that has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle.
When pressed by the magazine about whether prosecutions of Trump critics could appear vindictive, Wiles acknowledged the political optics were problematic.
“I mean, people could think it does look vindictive. I can’t tell you why you shouldn’t think that,” she said.
Wiles added that Trump is not consumed by revenge but does not shy away from confrontation when opportunities present themselves.
“I don’t think he wakes up thinking about retribution,” she said. “But when there’s an opportunity, he will go for it.”
On New York Attorney General Letitia James—who built her political profile around investigations and prosecutions of Trump—Wiles was more blunt.
“Well, that might be the one retribution.”
The remarks quickly circulated online and were seized upon by Democrats as proof that Trump’s critics are being targeted for political reasons, despite the absence of new indictments.
Swalwell Escalates With Threat of Investigations
Swalwell framed Wiles’ comments as an admission that undermines claims that the referrals are routine or apolitical. He said his office has already sent a letter to Wiles demanding the preservation of records.
“So we just sent a letter to Susie Wiles telling her, save your sh*t: your emails, your text messages, everything that records or documents Donald Trump going after his political enemies,” Swalwell said. “Save it because we’re coming for it because we want the truth.”
He vowed to pursue inquiries into Trump’s decision-making process and the actions of his administration.
Watch:
“What did Trump know? What did he order? What do others do on his behalf?” Swalwell asked. “We’re not going away. And the American people are always going to choose the truth over Trump.”
The Democrat criminals seem to be getting nervous? Never fear, the Republicans almost never get a Democrat tossed in prison.