Swalwell Denies Bondi Leaked to Him, Blames FBI Agents

Congressman says FBI, not Bondi, tipped off Washington Post about investigation into his ties to suspected Chinese spy

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:40pm by Ben Kaplan

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A conceptual illustration featuring overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in red, white, and blue, with a faint outline of a Chinese flag in the background, representing the political tensions surrounding Congressman Swalwell's past associations.The political battle over Congressman Swalwell's past ties to a suspected Chinese spy continues, with accusations and denials flying between the two sides.San Francisco Today

Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) has directly denied claims that Attorney General Pam Bondi was fired because she leaked sensitive information to him. Swalwell said the story became public after FBI agents informed The Washington Post, not because Bondi or anyone close to her had tipped him off. The investigation centers around Swalwell's past association with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative named Christine Fang.

Why it matters

This case has become a political flashpoint, with the Trump administration accusing Swalwell of improper ties to a Chinese spy and Swalwell alleging a 'horrendous abuse of power' by the administration. Bondi's firing has added further intrigue, with speculation that it was linked to the investigation into Swalwell.

The details

The investigation at the center of this story involves Swalwell's past association with Christine Fang, also known as 'Fang Fang,' a suspected Chinese intelligence operative. Fang reportedly built relationships with California politicians between 2011 and 2015, helped with Swalwell's 2014 congressional campaign fundraising, and placed an intern in his office. Swalwell has never been accused of any wrongdoing related to Fang, and he cut ties with her immediately after federal agents warned him about her. FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly taken a personal interest in releasing files related to Swalwell's past dealings with Fang.

  • In 2011, Fang began building relationships with California politicians.
  • Between 2011 and 2015, Fang helped with Swalwell's 2014 congressional campaign fundraising and placed an intern in his office.
  • Over 10 years ago, the FBI said all Swalwell did was help with the investigation into Fang.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Congressman from California who has been accused of improper ties to a suspected Chinese spy named Christine Fang.

Pam Bondi

The former Attorney General who was recently fired by President Trump, allegedly due to her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and her perceived failure to go after Trump's political opponents.

Kash Patel

The FBI Director who has reportedly taken a personal interest in releasing files related to Swalwell's past dealings with the suspected Chinese spy Christine Fang.

Christine Fang

Also known as 'Fang Fang,' a suspected Chinese intelligence operative who built relationships with California politicians between 2011 and 2015, including helping with Swalwell's 2014 congressional campaign fundraising and placing an intern in his office.

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What they’re saying

“The attorney general did not tip us off.”

— Eric Swalwell, Congressman

“No one in her orbit tipped us off. It was FBI agents who tipped off The Washington Post because they saw this effort by Kash Patel and Donald Trump to try and interfere in a California governor's race that I have been leading.”

— Eric Swalwell, Congressman

“This case is closed. The bureau said, over 10 years ago, all we did was help [with the investigation].”

— Eric Swalwell, Congressman

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee had previously closed its investigation into Swalwell's dealings with Fang without releasing any findings, after an FBI probe that resulted in no charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding Swalwell's past ties to a suspected Chinese spy, with the Trump administration and its allies accusing him of improper conduct while Swalwell denies any wrongdoing and alleges a 'horrendous abuse of power' by the administration.