Eric Swalwell Sues Trump Official for Alleged Mortgage Fraud
Rep. Eric Swalwell has initiated legal action against Bill Pulte, the current head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Swalwell accuses Pulte of misusing his position to fabricate allegations of mortgage fraud against him. The lawsuit, filed on a Tuesday, claims that it is “patently false” to assert that Swalwell, a Democrat from California, erroneously designated his Washington, D.C., residence as his primary home.
Swalwell’s Claims in the Lawsuit
According to the legal complaint, Swalwell asserted in a sworn affidavit linked to his mortgage that he had no intention of making the D.C. home his primary residence. Instead, he indicated that the home would serve as his wife’s primary residence. The lawsuit emphasizes that Swalwell is a permanent resident of California.
First Amendment and Privacy Act Violations
- Swalwell alleges Pulte’s actions infringe on his First Amendment rights.
- The lawsuit claims a breach of the Privacy Act of 1974, established to protect individuals from political retaliation.
Swalwell contends that Pulte is targeting him due to his political stance against President Trump and his public criticisms. The lawsuit also references similar referrals made by Pulte regarding other political opponents of Trump, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senator Adam Schiff from California, noting that no referrals have been made against Trump allies.
Reactions and Implications
The lawsuit states that a federal judge dismissed the case against James earlier this week, citing procedural issues regarding the appointment of the attorney responsible for the indictment. Meanwhile, investigations involving Schiff and Federal Reserve board member Lisa Cook continue to face legal challenges, with no charges filed against them.
Swalwell’s complaint highlights the rapid media coverage of Pulte’s referral letter concerning his mortgage. He claims that this swift leak has significantly damaged his reputation, especially as he was preparing to announce his candidacy for Governor of California. The revelations about his home have also allegedly exposed his family to heightened security risks, causing him emotional distress.
Pulte’s Remarks
In a prior interview, Pulte defended his actions regarding allegations of mortgage fraud, asserting that they are unrelated to political affiliations. He emphasized his commitment to addressing any instances of mortgage fraud in the country. However, Swalwell’s lawsuit counters that the coordinated publication of referral details demonstrates a strategic effort to undermine his credibility at a critical moment in his political career.
A spokesperson for Pulte and the Justice Department have not responded to requests for comments on the matter, as the case unfolds.
