UPDATE: In a shocking legal move, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) has filed a lawsuit against Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, alleging a severe abuse of power. The lawsuit, submitted on November 21, 2023, claims Pulte criminally misused government databases to target political opponents of former President Donald Trump.
Swalwell’s attorneys assert that Pulte has exploited his access to sensitive data from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to fabricate allegations of mortgage fraud against prominent Democrats, including Swalwell himself. “This was not just a gross mischaracterization of reality; it was a gross abuse of power,” the lawsuit reads, emphasizing that Pulte’s actions directly infringe on Swalwell’s rights to free speech as he campaigns for California governor.
The lawsuit accuses Pulte of orchestrating a politically motivated attack at a critical moment in Swalwell’s career, just as he was preparing to announce his gubernatorial candidacy. “Pulte’s actions have exposed my family to security risks and caused significant distress,” Swalwell stated.
Pulte has defended his inquiries into the mortgage records of Democrats, claiming that no one is above the law. However, the lawsuit highlights a pattern of targeting that has raised eyebrows among other officials and investigators. Swalwell’s case is part of a broader scrutiny surrounding Pulte’s unprecedented methods, as he has referred multiple allegations against other high-profile Democrats, including Sen. Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James, to the Justice Department.
Critics argue that these investigations are politically motivated, with Schiff labeling them as a deliberate campaign to intimidate political foes. Notably, a federal judge recently dismissed charges against James due to irregularities in the appointment of the prosecutor involved, raising further questions about the legitimacy of Pulte’s actions.
The fallout from these allegations is significant. Federal prosecutors in Maryland have begun probing Pulte’s activities, signaling that this legal battle is far from over. Witnesses, including Christine Bish, a Republican congressional candidate, have been questioned about their communications concerning Schiff’s mortgage records, suggesting a broader investigation into the methods employed by Pulte and his associates.
Swalwell’s lawsuit also claims that Pulte’s actions violate the Privacy Act of 1974, which prohibits federal officials from misusing access to private information for political gain. The lawsuit calls for accountability, demanding documentation of any communications between Pulte and the White House regarding the investigations.
As this legal drama unfolds, the implications for political discourse and privacy rights in the U.S. are profound. Swalwell’s attorneys argue that the allegations against him are unfounded and designed to sabotage his political aspirations. “We will not allow our democratic processes to be undermined by those who misuse their power,” Swalwell affirmed in a statement.
With the public and political scrutiny intensifying, all eyes are on the next steps in this developing story. Will Pulte face consequences for his alleged misconduct, or will he continue to operate with impunity? As investigations progress, this case could reshape the landscape of political accountability in America.