‘Absolutely Not’: Swalwell Claims His Relationship With Suspected Chinese Spy Didn’t Compromise U.S. Security

Rep. Eric Swalwell, a Democratic-CA Representative, claimed that his past relationships with a Chinese spy didn’t compromise U.S. National Security during a Sunday interview.

Swalwell made the remarks during an interview broadcast on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday, as he spoke out about being kicked from 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 was 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 clearly state that you severed all ties with the person in question in 2015, when you discovered. You cooperated the FBI. This is the main question. Do you think that you could have put yourself in a position of vulnerability so that the alleged Chinese spy could benefit from American secrets or learn them?

REP. ERIC SWALWELL, D-CA: No.

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. They came out three times and said two things. I never had any suspicion of wrongdoing.

But, more than that, Chairman — Speaker Boehner was briefed on this investigation. He could have dismissed me just like Speaker McCarthy. He didn’t. Devin Nunes, the Intelligence Committee’s chair, never spoke out about this. Paul Ryan would have been able to access the same investigation. He reappointed my position to the committee.

Donald Trump, who has vilified me at every rally, has more access than anyone to classified information than any other person on earth. You know that he would have. There’s nothing there.

I did the right thing every American should. 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.

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