F.B.I. Said to Dig Up Old Investigative Files on Democratic Lawmaker
nytimes.com • • nation
Key Points:
- Trump administration officials have directed FBI agents to collect documents related to a decade-old investigation into Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell and his connections to suspected Chinese spy Christine Fang.
- The investigation, which was closed without charges, originally focused on Fang’s involvement in Swalwell’s fundraising activities, and the renewed document review has raised concerns among law enforcement about potential politically motivated leaks.
- FBI personnel in California have been ordered to compile and lightly redact extensive files, including classified and sensitive information, with the aim of completing the review by early next week and sharing the materials with senior administration officials.
- Career investigators have expressed alarm over the directive, fearing that the documents could be used to publicly smear Swalwell, a vocal Trump critic and current candidate for California governor.
- The FBI, Justice Department, and White House have not commented on the matter, and the order remains confidential according to sources familiar with the situation.
