Eric Swalwell Positions Himself as Leading Critic of Trump Amid New DOJ Investigation

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — November 22, 2025 — Eric Swalwell, a Democratic candidate for California governor, has embraced his role as one of Donald Trump’s most vocal critics amid a new Department of Justice investigation involving the former president. Swalwell characterized the probe as politically motivated but said he will remain steadfast in his public opposition to Trump.

The DOJ recently announced an inquiry into Trump’s activities, intensifying scrutiny of the former president as he seeks to maintain influence within the Republican Party. While details of the investigation have not been fully disclosed, officials said it relates to actions taken during and after Trump’s presidency.

Swalwell, a former U.S. representative from California, has frequently clashed with Trump and his allies, making opposition to the former president a central theme of his gubernatorial campaign. In statements to reporters, Swalwell dismissed the DOJ’s investigation as a politically driven effort aimed at undermining Trump’s standing ahead of upcoming elections.

“This is clearly a political move,” Swalwell said. “But I’m not going to back down. We need to hold people accountable, and that includes Donald Trump.”

Swalwell’s campaign has positioned itself as a counterpoint to Trump-aligned candidates, emphasizing a platform focused on transparency, rule of law, and progressive policies. His outspoken criticism of Trump has drawn both support and criticism from various factions within California’s Democratic Party.

Political analysts note that Swalwell’s approach could energize Democratic voters who view Trump as a divisive figure, but also risks alienating moderate voters who may be wary of highly partisan rhetoric. The California gubernatorial race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the 2026 election cycle.

The DOJ’s investigation adds a new layer of complexity to the political landscape, with Trump continuing to assert his innocence and dismiss investigations as partisan attacks. Legal experts say the probe could have significant implications depending on its findings, potentially influencing Trump’s political future.

Swalwell’s willingness to confront Trump directly reflects a broader trend among some Democrats to take a more aggressive stance against the former president, who remains a dominant force in national politics. As the gubernatorial campaign progresses, Swalwell’s criticism of Trump is likely to remain a defining feature of his public persona.

California voters will head to the polls in November 2026 to select their next governor, with Swalwell among a crowded field of candidates. The outcome of the race could have substantial impacts on state policies and the national political climate, particularly as California continues to be a key battleground for issues such as immigration, climate change, and economic inequality.

Officials have not provided a timeline for the DOJ investigation’s conclusion, leaving many questions unanswered as the political and legal processes unfold concurrently. Meanwhile, Swalwell’s campaign appears committed to maintaining a high-profile stance against Trump, signaling that the former president’s influence will remain a central topic in California politics over the coming year.