SpyTalk

SpyTalk

The Education of Eric Swalwell

The disgraced congressman had a close call with a Chinese agent in 2015, but the lesson on indiscretion evidently never took. It was worse than that, women say.

Jeff Stein's avatar
Jeff Stein
Apr 14, 2026
∙ Paid
Eric Swalwell announcing gubernatorial run. (Wikimedia Commons)

MANY WASHINGTON SEX SCANDALS AGO, I asked a retired former head of FBI Counterintelligence what the bureau did when it discovered the KGB or other malefactors making inroads with a member of Congress. A couple of FBI agents, he said, would make a discreet visit to the Hill and let the member know that their new friend was actually a spy. Then it was up to him or her what to do about it.

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