Swalwell accuser comes forward with photo evidence

Lonna Drewes and Rep. Eric Swalwell, (D-CA) are shown in a photo presented at Tuesday's news conference. It purports to show her and the congressman in 2018 at the opening of Avra restaurant in Beverly Hills. "Provided by Drewes and attorney Lisa Bloom."

An attorney for Eric Swalwell accuser Lonna Drewes blasted the outgoing congressman's public response Tuesday. She called his comments "blather and spin" and "a slap in the face to the victims."

At Tuesday's Beverly Hills news conference at the law office of attorneys Lisa Bloom and Arick Fudali, the legal team said it would immediately file a police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office.

Bloom blasted Swalwell's recent statement in which he said he was "not perfect" and "not a saint" and framed the matter as one between him and his wife.

"Your statement that this is all just a matter between you and your wife is laughable, if not for the fact that it is a slap in the face to the victims," Bloom told reporters. "Your statement [Monday] that you just made, 'mistakes in judgment' is defensive and minimizing.

"Stop it. Own your behavior."

Bloom said her team would provide investigators with evidence including text messages, journal entries, a photograph and witness information.

"We will not rest until we get justice for Lonna," Bloom said.

Dropping out of the gubernatorial race and resigning from Congress is not enough, Bloom added.

"Losing one's job is not a sufficient consequence for these types of allegations," she said. "We feel that the criminal investigations are the priority."Bloom also argued Swalwell's resignation was not an act of accountability, but an effort to avoid further scrutiny.

"I do not, in my opinion, see that as an act of accountability at all," Bloom said. "I see it as an effort to avoid the expulsion hearing that was coming."

Bloom also issued a broader call for other possible accusers or witnesses to come forward. She said she had already received messages from other women and that her firm was available to speak with them confidentially.

"Enough is enough," Bloom said. "I'm sick and tired of women being victimized by men in power."

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GOP-er Tony Gonzales will retire from Congress: admits the affair with aide

Well, folks, strap in because the swamp is serving up another double helping of congressional sleaze today, and the timing is almost too perfect to be accidental.

Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) announced Monday that he plans to file his retirement from Congress on Tuesday after admitting to an affair with a former staffer who committed suicide last year.

“There is a season for everything and God has a plan for us all. When Congress returns tomorrow, I will file my retirement from office. It has been my privilege to serve the great people of Texas,” Gonzales posted on X, invoking his intimate relationship with G_d.

This mini bombshell dropped about an hour after Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) said he’d be stepping down over his own sex scandal. These bipartisan scumcrumpets should walk away holding hands as they walk toward the sunset with their women folk.

Back in early March, Gonzales had already dropped his re-election bid in Texas’s 23rd Congressional District after getting dragged into a runoff by feisty GOP challenger Brandon Herrera. He’d also been catching heat from fellow Republicans who were loudly suggesting he might want to consider resigning his seat.

Those calls got a lot louder once Gonzales owned up to the affair with former staffer Regina Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old married mother who, according to the fire department, “doused herself in gasoline and was ignited into flames” in the backyard of her Uvalde, Texas home. 

Conservative media The Daily Wire had reported that Gonzales claimed the affair wrapped up in the summer of 2024, more than a year before Santos-Aviles took her own life. But those text messages the San Antonio Express-News published back in February painted a rather uncomfortable picture, with Gonzales apparently making some very direct sexual requests to the woman who worked for him.

Let's face it, politicians behaving badly is hardly breaking news, but when it ends in tragedy and then gets wrapped up in a neat little “God has a plan” bow, it’s enough to make even the most jaded observer roll their eyes. 

The voters in Texas-23 deserved better. Hell, the staffers who have to work in these offices deserve better. And the taxpayers footing the bill for all of it are the ones who really get screwed every single time.

Another day, another reminder that power attracts exactly the kind of people you wouldn’t want babysitting your kids. Enjoy your retirement, Congressman. Try not to set anything else on fire on the way out.

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Swalwell gets the Dem hook for sexual misconduct allegations

"It's this big"
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) wears a protective mask while speaking during a House Intelligence Committee hearing on April 15, 2021 in Washington, D.C. (Al Drago-Pool/Getty Images)

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) just dropped a political grenade on Monday, announcing he would resign his congressional seat in the wake of multiple bombshell reports from last Friday that kneecapped his already-flailing bid to become the next governor of California.

"I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I've made in my past," Swalwell said in a statement. "I will fight the serious, false allegations made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make."

Mistake in judgment? His behavior [allegedly] was not a 'mistake,' it was on purpose [allegedly] and an ongoing behavior [allegedly].

"I am aware of efforts to bring an immediate expulsion vote against me and other members. Expelling anyone in Congress without due process, within days of an allegation being made, is wrong," he continued. "But it's also wrong for my constituents to have me distracted from my duties. Therefore, I plan to resign my seat in Congress."

Funny, but isn't that exactly what he wanted to happen to Justice Kavanaugh during the hearings for his appointment to SCOTUS?

At least four women have accused Swalwell [aka Swell-well] of sexual misconduct, including a former aide who alleged he raped her when she was intoxicated and could not consent, according to reporting from the Compromised News Network (CNN) and The San Francisco Chronicle.

Swalwell’s abrupt resignation announcement looks like a desperate sprint to the exits, potentially short-circuiting a bipartisan push to expel him from the House that was set to ramp up as early as this week.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, the no-nonsense Florida Republican, was gearing up to introduce a resolution to boot Swalwell on Tuesday and had been pressing House GOP leadership to hold a vote on Wednesday.

Luna called on lawmakers from both parties to set aside "ideological differences" and back her measure alongside a separate expulsion effort targeting embattled Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) led by Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM).

"It is our responsibility, according to the Constitution and House rules, to hold one another accountable, especially when it brings dishonor upon the institution," Luna wrote to her House colleagues Tuesday in a letter reviewed by Fox News Digital. "We as Members of Congress need to stand together in publicly condemning this behavior and restore the trust we have lost with the American people."

The Florida Republican had warned over the weekend that she’d draft the expulsion papers if Swalwell didn’t resign by the time lawmakers returned to Washington on Tuesday. Luna’s resolution was on track to pick up serious bipartisan backing.

Even Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), a leading progressive voice, was among the Democrats voicing support for the expulsion drive.

Other Democrats urged Swalwell to step down but stopped short of endorsing Luna’s hard-line resolution.

The Democratic backlash following the San Francisco Chronicle’s gut-wrenching reporting triggered a stampede of Swalwell’s colleagues and longtime allies yanking their endorsements for his now-suspended gubernatorial campaign — including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi herself.

Swalwell bailed on the 2026 primary to succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday, despite polling that had him looking like a top-tier contender just days earlier.

Swalwell first entered the House in 2013. Prior to that, he worked as a prosecutor in the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and served on the Dublin, California, city council starting in 2010.

In Congress, he was a key player in the 2019 impeachment push against President Donald Trump and, before that, helmed investigations into whether Russian meddling actually swung the 2016 election.

Whether this resignation spells the final chapter of Swalwell’s political career remains to be seen.

"I'm outta here"
California gubernatorial candidate Eric Swalwell waves before speaking at the 2026 California Democratic Party State Convention in San Francisco, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

The Chronicle’s Friday bombshell laid out graphic details from a woman accusing Swalwell of targeting intoxicated women, pressuring staffers into compromising situations, and soliciting explicit images from female contacts.

Whispers of misconduct had started bubbling earlier this month when Cheyenne Hunt, a former Capitol Hill staffer turned political commentator, began sharing testimony from women claiming they were sexually assaulted by the congressman.

"The Democratic candidate currently leading in the California governor’s race has a known history of being predatory towards women," Hunt posted on social media.

Swalwell’s team initially went radio silent before pushing back in comments to the New York Post earlier this week.

"This false, outrageous rumor is being spread 27 days before an election begins by flailing opponents who have sadly teamed up with MAGA conspiracy theorists because they know Eric Swalwell is the frontrunner in this race," spokesperson Micah Beasley said.

Swalwell’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment because to do so would be a political blunder.

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Billionaire pal kicks Swalwell out of mansion and wants his donations back after rape allegations

Stephen Cloobeck, that billionaire timeshare king and former California governor wannabe, just did what every sane person should have done months ago. He booted disgraced Democratic Rep. Eric 'Gasman' Swalwell out of his mansion and now wants his million dollars in campaign donations returned after a gaggle of women came forward accusing the congressman of sexual assault and misconduct.

Cloobeck used to call Swalwell his “little brother” in that March POLITICO interview. He even scoffed when the New York Post asked him about the lawmaker’s rumored creepy behavior with female staffers. But on Sunday the timeshare mogul sang a very different tune. He is cutting ties with Swalwell and the entire Democratic Party faster than you can say “hypocrite.”

“I am no longer supporting Eric,” the Diamond Resorts founder told the outlet. “F*cking tell everyone I’m a libertarian. F*ck you, Democrat Party. I’m a libertarian now.”

Classic. 

A complete 180 after Swalwell posted a video, reportedly filmed inside Cloobeck’s swanky Beverly Hills home, trying to defend himself against those rape and sexual harassment claims from former staffers and other women in Democrat politics.

Since four women went public in that CNN piece, more than fifty former Swalwell staffers have now demanded his resignation. On top of that, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced they are investigating because one of the alleged incidents happened in New York after Swalwell spoke at a gala there.

Even House Democrat leadership turned on him. House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Pete Aguilar, and House Minority Whip Rep. Katherine Clark put out a joint statement calling for Swalwell to drop his gubernatorial bid.

“Following the incredibly disturbing sexual assault accusations against Congressman Eric Swalwell, we call for a swift investigation into these incidents and for the Congressman to immediately end his campaign to be California’s next Governor,” the lawmakers wrote.

Swalwell officially suspended his campaign on Sunday. He claimed he is “deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past” while still insisting the allegations are “false.”“I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made, but that’s my fight, not a campaign’s,” he said in a statement posted to social media.

Here is the kicker. Cloobeck had launched his own short-lived run for California governor, then dropped out and endorsed Swalwell. According to the New York Post he dumped more than a million dollars into the guy’s campaign and let him crash at his 9,700-square-foot mansion whenever he wanted.

“I have a lot of people who stay at my house,” Cloobeck told the outlet. “I built a gorgeous place, my dream home, I relish it, and I’m a very generous man. I’m very thoughtful and I’m very kind.” 

Generous and kind until the rape allegations dropped. Then suddenly Swalwell is no longer welcome. Cloobeck confirmed the congressman is out of the house but said he would have to talk to his lawyer about clawing back that donation money.

The billionaire, who admitted he had been a Democrat for about four decades, made it crystal clear he is finished with the party.

“I’m going to change my godd*mn party affiliation, because I cannot stand this Democratic Party at all,” he told the Post. “I am done. Finito.”

Welcome to sanity, sir.

When asked if he thought Swalwell had been honest with him, Cloobeck replied, “I’m gonna have to investigate that. I don’t know the answer to that.”

Oh, now he needs to investigate? After funding the guy, housing the guy, and calling him “little brother”? Give me a break. This is what happens when the mask slips on the Democrat Party’s favorite protected class. One set of rules for thee, another for the powerful donors who finally wake up. 

Welcome to libertarianism, Mr. Cloobeck. Better late than never.

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Qatar puts pressure on Iran re Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes

Qatar teamed up with the United States on Monday to ramp up pressure on Iran to loosen its grip on shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-of Thani bin bin said he spoke directly with his Iranian counterpart on the matter, urging Tehran not to treat the strait as a "bargaining chip."

"HE Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the need for all parties to respond positively to ongoing mediation efforts, calling for dialogue and peaceful means to address the root causes of the crisis and reach a sustainable agreement that prevents renewed escalation," the ministry said in a statement.

"He also underlined the importance of keeping maritime routes open and ensuring freedom of navigation, warning against using them as a bargaining chip," the statement continued." 

His Excellency further cautioned that any disruption to shipping lanes could have serious consequences for countries in the region, as well as for global energy and food supplies, with wider implications for international peace and security," it added.

Look, this is classic Gulf diplomacy at work. Qatar, playing its usual balancing act between Washington and Tehran, is making it crystal clear that choking off one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints is a non-starter. The last thing the region needs right now is another self-inflicted wound on global trade, especially when energy markets and food supplies are already on edge. 

Tehran would be wise to heed the call for de-escalation before things spiral further. Of course they did, otherwise the regime would be totally destroyed.

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Starmer backs Iran: says UK won't support Strait of Hormuz blockade

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Monday that no matter how much pressure is applied, Britain would absolutely not be dragged into the Iran war or participate in any silly blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

"We're not supporting the blockade," he told BBC Radio 5 Live, adding that it was vital to get the Strait reopened and therefore help Iran supply oil and goods for the regime.

"It is, in my view, vital that we get the Strait open and fully open, and that's where we've put all of our efforts and we'll continue to do so," Starmer said.

Britain had minesweepers in the region, he said, and while he could not discuss operational matters lest he tip his hand to the USA, the military capability was "focused from our point of view on getting the Strait full open."

The U.S. military said it would begin a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas on Monday, after weekend talks failed to reach a deal to end the war with Iran.

The U.S. Central Command said that the U.S. blockade, starting at 10 a.m. ET on Monday (1400 GMT), would be "enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman."Vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports will not be impeded, the U.S. military said.

President Donald Trump said on Sunday U.S. forces would also intercept every vessel in international waters that had paid a toll to Iran.

"No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas," Trump wrote on social media, adding: "Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!"

This is akin to blowing vessels into smithereens and Trump isn't kidding.

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It Gets Worse for Swalwell: Nannygate Much?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) just confirmed on Sunday that a federal investigation into the malodorous Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) now includes reports that the California Democrat, best known for his public flatulence and for sleeping with an alleged Chinese spy, hired and then lied about a Brazilian nanny who was living in the United States illegally.

POLITICO’s Dan Lippman broke the story, reporting that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had referred the allegations to law enforcement at DHS. The department fired back with a blunt response from its official X account:

“USCIS has been collecting information on the allegations involving Congressman Eric Swalwell hiring of a Brazilian national as a nanny without lawful work authorization.
@USCIS has referred this matter to DHS law enforcement for investigation. No one is above the law, including a member of Congress.” 

Sources say this bombshell lands as multiple other investigations are already circling the wagons around Swalwell and as the embattled California congressman and former would-be gubernatorial candidate faces a growing pile of accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior, ranging from unwanted attention to at least one claim of rape from a former staffer. 

The Manhattan district attorney opened an investigation into Swalwell on Saturday after learning that one of the women accusing him of sexual misconduct lived in New York. Weeks earlier, the Justice Department had opened an unrelated probe into the gubernatorial hopeful, alleging mortgage fraud.

Since the accusations started dropping on Friday, Swalwell’s friends and colleagues have deserted him faster than rats fleeing a taxpayer-funded cruise ship. Democrats in Congress yanked their support for his gubernatorial run, publicly withdrawing endorsements and demanding he drop out of the race. Some went further, calling for him to resign his congressional seat and a few have openly said that, if given the chance, they’d vote to expel him from the House.

His own employees piled on, with a group of senior staffers from both his congressional office and gubernatorial campaign issuing a joint memo and resigning en masse. They also urged voters to pull their support from Swalwell.

Swalwell has denied the accusations, calling them “flat false” and vowing to fight back with everything he has which, at this point, appears to be nothing but a collection of strongly-worded denials, a Brazilian nanny, and whatever scraps of dignity he has left after the whole Fang Fang incident.

He has since bowed out of the gubernatorial race and if he's lucky, he might remain in Congress.

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Dem Senate candidate with Nazi tattoo called Jesus a "zombie" and Virgin Mary a "skank"

Graham Platner, the anti-Semitic Democratic Senate candidate from Maine who's now famous for covering up his Nazi tattoo, once described himself as so "crudely atheist" that he derided Jesus Christ as a "zombie" and the Virgin Mary as "a skank" in a newly uncovered Reddit post. He can go to hell for saying such things.

Facts are facts. In the post, Platner was responding to a 2008 lawsuit claiming a soldier was denied a promotion for not embracing "fundamentalist Christianity." Platner fired back with, "What units is this shit in?" and then bragged, "I've spent 8 years in the infantry . . .  I've been about as crudely atheist as one can be the entire time." 

He went on to cite "zombie Jesus jokes and Mary sucking at covering up being a skank" as the height of the humor he enjoyed during his military service.

The post is still live, though it no longer displays its execrable author. An archived version reviewed by the Washington Free Beacon confirms it belongs to a now-deleted account tied directly to Platner. Greg Price, a conservative commentator was the first to highlight it.

Let's not sugarcoat this: Christians make up a majority of the population in Maine, according to Pew Research. Yet here we have a Democratic candidate who thought it was clever to mock the central figure of Christianity as a "zombie" and His mother as "a skank."

And this isn't an isolated incident. Platner's campaign has been absolutely torpedoed by a parade of repulsive Reddit posts: blaming rape victims for their own assaults, calling military officers "gay," labeling other users "fags," spewing anti-white and anti-police rhetoric, wondering out loud why Black people "don't tip," and even claiming that accusing him of watching CNN was worse than calling him a "retard."

If this cretin somehow wins the election, it will be an indication of a political party that has become decadent. 

Then, of course, there was the October bombshell: video evidence of a Nazi Totenkopf tattoo on his chest, which he got in Croatia back in 2007 while he was in the Marine Corps. As a former Marine, I find this disgusting and not in any way representative of the Corps.

Platner has since covered it up, but the damage was done. Multiple staffers have already quit the campaign amid the fallout from the Reddit posts and the tattoo revelation.The Platner campaign, shockingly, did not respond to a request for comment. Color me unsurprised.

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