At least four women have accused Congressman Eric Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including a former staffer who claims he sexually assaulted her in California in 2019 and in New York in 2024 while she was too intoxicated to consent. Swalwell, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, issued a video apology to his wife Brittany Watts in response to the allegations, according to reports. He stated the allegations are false and did not happen, and suggested they were politically timed, released on the eve of the June 2 primary. The accusations have triggered a wave of resignations from his campaign staff and drawn scrutiny from legal authorities.
Swalwell's response included a defense of his public service record, noting he has served for over 20 years as a city councilman, Congressman, and prosecutor, including work for sexual assault victims, according to his statements. He added the allegations are politically motivated and released on the eve of the June 2 primary, framing the controversy as an attack ahead of the election. Despite his claims of being the frontrunner in the primary, Real Clear Politics' average shows him trailing Republican Steve Hilton, indicating a challenging political landscape. Swalwell said he would spend the weekend with family and friends and update supporters soon, as he navigates the fallout.
Additional misconduct accusations have emerged, with one woman alleging Swalwell kissed her and touched her leg without consent at a bar, leading to her becoming extremely drunk in his hotel room with little memory of the events, according to reports. Another accuser, Ally Sammarco, claimed she received unsolicited nude messages from Swalwell after reaching out to him on Twitter. In response to these claims, Swalwell's legal team sent cease-and-desist letters to two accusers, according to his attorney. The specific evidence or details supporting the sexual assault allegations remain unclear, as the accusers have not publicly provided comprehensive documentation.
An attorney for Swalwell denied that he has ever had nonconsensual sex or sexual relations with any staff member, asserting the women's claims were undermined by their voluntary relationships with Swalwell after the alleged incidents, according to the attorney. The Manhattan district attorney’s office is investigating a sexual assault allegation against Swalwell, though the current status and timeline of that investigation are not publicly detailed. Legal experts note that such probes can take months or years, depending on evidence and cooperation. The attorney's statements aim to counter the credibility of the accusers by highlighting post-incident interactions.
Political fallout has intensified, with prominent Democrats including Karen Bass, Hakeem Jeffries, Gavin Newsom, Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff, and Ruben Gallego condemning Swalwell or withdrawing support, according to multiple reports. Florida Representative Anna Paulina Luna announced she will floor a privileged motion to expel Swalwell from Congress, though the exact legal grounds and likelihood of success for this motion are uncertain. The specific actions or statements that led to the Democrats' condemnations have not been fully disclosed, but they reflect growing pressure within the party. This backlash compounds the campaign challenges, as several staffers have resigned, signaling internal turmoil.
In the context of the primary, Swalwell claimed to be the frontrunner, but polling data suggests a competitive race. Staff at his office condemned the alleged behavior and expressed support for the accusers, indicating division within his team. The primary outcome could hinge on voter perception of the allegations and Swalwell's response. As the investigation proceeds, his political standing remains precarious, with potential implications for his gubernatorial bid and congressional career.
Separately, in a related political development, Representative Jamie Raskin is requesting that White House physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor brief a congressional committee on the results of a potential cognitive exam for President Trump, according to research from two sources. Trump has often bragged about his cognitive competence and success with previous tests, as noted in multiple reports. The White House has never released a comprehensive report on the president's cognitive state, raising questions about transparency. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle stated President Trump remains sharp and energetic, and his cognitive abilities are not in question, but the next steps in the request and how the White House will respond are not yet clear.
There is a legal compulsion for the White House to respond to the demand by House Democrats, based on research from two sources, though the specifics of this obligation depend on congressional rules and executive branch protocols. Legal analysts suggest that failure to comply could lead to subpoenas or further congressional action, but the process may unfold slowly. This issue intersects with broader debates over presidential health disclosures and accountability.
In another unrelated matter, former President Trump has proposed a Triumphal Arch near Arlington National Cemetery, with renderings displaying the words 'One Nation Under God' and featuring four large golden lions, according to research from two sources. The Washington Post was first to report on the renderings, which Trump was seen walking with at the Easter Egg Roll. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said the Triumphal Arch will be an iconic landmark enhancing the visitor experience at Arlington National Cemetery, promoting it as a patriotic addition.
Construction challenges include concerns about the height of the arch due to its proximity to Washington Reagan National Airport, as noted in research from two sources. A federal judge requires the Trump administration to give 14 days' notice before beginning construction on the arch, and Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered the National Park Service not to begin construction unless it first publishes a notice on its website. These legal restrictions aim to ensure transparency and address safety issues, potentially delaying or altering the project. The National Park Service's role in overseeing the process adds another layer of regulatory scrutiny.