Donald Trump broke his silence on rape and sexual misconduct allegations against ousted Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell, speaking exclusively with the Daily Mail.
Swalwell, 45, resigned from office and suspended his California gubernatorial campaign this week after five women publicly accused him of sexual misconduct.
A former staffer claimed he raped her twice while she was intoxicated in 2019 and 2024. Another woman, Lonna Drewes, alleged the California lawmaker drugged and raped her in 2018.
'We'll see what happens,' Trump told the Daily Mail when asked about the political fallout from the scandal.
'He's a sleazebag. Always has been. He's a long timer, and he's a bad guy. I don't know anything about the charges, but he's a bad guy.'
Swalwell has been one of Trump’s most vocal critics in Congress, accusing the President of colluding with Russia during the 2016 election. He also served as an impeachment manager during Trump’s second trial in 2021.
'He's always been a bad guy, he’s a corrupt politician, and everyone knows it, so it's happening to him, and we'll see what happens. Right? Let him go defend himself,' Trump added.
Two criminal investigations into the assault claims against Swalwell have been started by both the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Swalwell has denied any wrongdoing in connection with the rape and sexual assault allegations. While rejecting the claims, the former lawmaker acknowledged making 'mistakes in judgment' and apologized to his wife, Brittany Watts.
'We'll see what happens,' Trump told the Daily Mail when asked about a possible investigation into Swalwell
'He's a sleazebag. Always has been. He's a long timer, and he's a bad guy. I don't know anything about the charges, but he's a bad guy' President Trump told the Daily Mail in a phone call interview about Swalwell (left). His best friend in Congress, Senator Ruben Gallego is on the right
Two Swalwell accusers and an influencer who helped get their story out spoke with CBS News in an interview that aired on April 14
Until today, the President had limited his response to reposting articles about the sexual assault allegations on Truth Social
Swalwell addressed wife Brittany Watts, saying that he apologized to her 'deeply for putting her in this position'
The accusations against Swalwell destroyed his political career and prompted calls for further investigations from both parties.
Trump had not spoken publicly about the scandal until he was reached via phone by the Daily Mail.
Until today, the President has limited his response to reposting articles about the sexual assault allegations on Truth Social.
Prior to the scandal, Swalwell’s attorneys sent a cease-and-desist letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, seeking to block the release of the agency’s investigative files into the lawmaker’s past relationship with an alleged Chinese spy.
Christine Fang, a Chinese national, was accused by the FBI of engaging in intelligence on behalf of the Chinese government by cultivating relationships with politicians, including Swalwell and Midwest mayors.
Swalwell maintained a relationship with Fang from 2011 until 2015, where she helped him with fundraising and placed an intern in his office.
He cut all ties to her in 2015 after an FBI investigation. Swalwell has not been accused by law enforcement of any wrongdoing regarding this matter.
After the scandal broke, Swalwell was removed by then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy from the House Intelligence Committee in 2023.
Another woman, Lonna Drewes, alleged the California lawmaker drugged and raped her in 2018
Until last week, Swalwell was the leading Democratic candidate in the 2026 California gubernatorial primary to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom
Swalwell accused Patel of weaponizing the FBI to go after his political opponents. He pointed to a list in Patel’s book that includes his name on an 'enemies list.'
Until last week, Swalwell was the leading Democratic candidate in the 2026 California gubernatorial primary to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom.
Newsom has not yet commented on the scandal.
Swalwell's campaign had successfully raised several million dollars, as polling from March showed him leading the crowded field with 17.3 percent support.