Rep. Eric Swalwell sends cease and desist letter to FBI director over old investigative files

NBC News • March 31, 2026 • nation

Key Points:

Rep. Eric Swalwell has sent a cease and desist letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, demanding the FBI not release files related to his past association with suspected Chinese operative Christine Fang, citing potential legal liability and election interference concerns.
Swalwell’s lawyers argue that releasing the files would violate his First Amendment rights, a 1974 law protecting such records, and Justice Department rules prohibiting federal agents from timing actions to influence elections.
The FBI reportedly plans to release a decade-old investigative file involving Swalwell and Fang, despite no evidence of wrongdoing by Swalwell, who has denied any misconduct and cooperated with the FBI investigation.
Swalwell, a leading Democratic candidate in California’s governor race, accused former President Donald Trump and Patel of attempting to smear him for political reasons, emphasizing that Californians will decide the election outcome.
California’s "jungle" primary is scheduled for June 2, where the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, will advance to the general election in the fall.

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