Newly declassified FBI memos show that the bureau knew more than a decade ago about alleged illegal campaign donations and a personal relationship between former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and a woman linked to Chinese intelligence, according to a report from PJ Media.
The documents indicate Swalwell admitted to a sexual relationship with Christine Fang, also known as “Fang Fang,” and that the FBI attempted to recruit Fang without her knowledge. The declassified files also reference a scheme in which Swalwell allegedly promised congressional internships in exchange for campaign donations from foreign nationals.
“Just how long did the FBI know Swalwell was committing illegal acts while in Congress? Apparently over a decade,” read a social media post flagged in the reporting.
RealClearInvestigations senior reporter Paul Sperry separately claimed that a 2017 FBI FD-302 form quotes an anonymous whistleblower—reportedly ex-NSA tech Robert Minehart—who warned agents that “[Eric] Swalwell has been the source of a lot of leaked [classified] information.” Sperry added that Minehart made the statement within 24 hours of some related event, though details were redacted.
Allegations span campaign finance and leaks
The combination of allegations—illegal foreign donations, trading congressional access for cash, a personal relationship with an alleged spy, and possible leaks of classified material—paints a picture that PJ Media contributor Catherine Salgado argues should be a priority for the Trump administration.
“Considering that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is America’s number one enemy, shouldn’t this become a priority for the Trump administration to investigate and end?” Salgado wrote.
She also questioned whether Swalwell was unique. “It would be strange if Swalwell were the only congressman who ever came up with this plan,” she wrote, asking how many other representatives may have engaged in similar schemes to obtain foreign donations in exchange for favors like internships.
Swalwell’s political downfall
Swalwell resigned from Congress and lost his bid for California’s governorship this year following sexual harassment and assault allegations. But Salgado noted he spent many years in office before those allegations surfaced, and she expressed doubt he will ever face criminal consequences.
“The FBI knew about Swalwell committing blatantly illegal actions, and ones that jeopardize our national security—while sleeping with a spy—more than a decade ago, and we are just hearing about the evidence now?” she wrote. “What the hell?”
Salgado accused the U.S. justice system of protecting titled officials. “It is so galling that in America now, having a current or former political or bureaucratic title is almost a guarantee that one will never face objective justice,” she said. “Talk about an oligarchic system.”
Declassification and next steps
The FBI documents were released as part of a broader declassification push by the Trump administration aimed at transparency around past Justice Department and FBI activities. Salgado said the effort is welcome but argued that transparency alone is insufficient.
“Obviously, the Trump administration is trying to be much more transparent about past activities of the Justice Department and the FBI, but transparency must always lead to decisive justice,” she wrote. “Hopefully, the declassification of the documents is a prelude to further action.”
The source material does not indicate whether any formal investigation or criminal referral has been made against Swalwell in response to the declassified files.
Source: pjmedia.com — https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/08/17/fbi-knew-swalwell-had-illegal-chinese-ties-in-2014-n4956226
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Do your own research and consult a licensed professional before making financial decisions.
