Alyssa Farah Griffin Discusses 'Rumors Matter' in Swalwell Allegations

The former Republican congressional spokesperson talked about the power dynamics and lack of accountability in Washington, D.C.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:23am by

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A moody, cinematic painting of a lone political figure seated in a dimly lit office, the warm light casting deep shadows and a sense of isolation, conceptually representing the culture of abuse and lack of accountability in Washington, D.C.The shadows of power and the silence of complicity: an illustration of the political landscape where rumors and allegations too often go unchecked.San Francisco Today

Alyssa Farah Griffin, a co-host on 'The View', discussed the allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and why she believes 'rumors matter' in Washington, D.C. Griffin admitted she had heard things about Swalwell's behavior and even witnessed him in situations that gave her pause, though she said nothing criminal. She explained that the lack of HR departments and power dynamics in congressional offices allow predatory behavior to go unchecked, and that people who have 'a little inkling' should speak up.

Why it matters

The Swalwell allegations highlight the broader issue of abuse of power and lack of accountability in Washington, D.C. Griffin's comments shed light on the culture that enables such behavior to persist, even when people are aware of concerning rumors or incidents.

The details

Griffin, a former Republican congressional spokesperson, said she had heard and even experienced things with Swalwell that gave her pause, though she said nothing was 'wrong or criminal.' She explained that in a business setting, as a woman, she would 'pay attention' when something made her uncomfortable. Griffin believes that people who had even a 'little inkling' of wrongdoing should have spoken up, rather than treating such rumors as just 'part of the course' in D.C.

  • On Monday, Swalwell announced plans to resign from Congress and end his bid for California governor after allegations of rape and sexual misconduct from multiple women came to light last week.
  • On Tuesday, Swalwell's former ally Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) admitted he misjudged the situation and should have approached the rumors about Swalwell's 'flirty' conduct with women.

The players

Alyssa Farah Griffin

A co-host on 'The View' and former Republican congressional spokesperson.

Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman from California who announced plans to resign from Congress and end his bid for governor after allegations of rape and sexual misconduct.

Ruben Gallego

A Democratic senator from Arizona who was a former ally of Swalwell and admitted he misjudged the situation and should have approached the rumors about Swalwell's behavior.

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What they’re saying

“I do think the rumors matter, because, to be honest, I had heard and even experienced — nothing wrong or criminal — but I've been with Eric Swalwell when he seemed 'overserved.'”

— Alyssa Farah Griffin, Co-host, 'The View'

“We have to be honest with ourselves. Like, I think a lot of people in D.C. treat these kinds of rumors as just like part of the course of playing, you know, here, or something like that. We should have figured out how to approach that.”

— Ruben Gallego, U.S. Senator

What’s next

Swalwell has not yet provided a specific timeline for his resignation from Congress.

The takeaway

The Swalwell allegations underscore the broader culture of abuse of power and lack of accountability in Washington, D.C. This case highlights the need for stronger HR policies and reporting mechanisms to address predatory behavior, as well as a shift in mindset where 'rumors' are no longer dismissed as 'part of the course' in political circles.