Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA) has accused President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice of refusing to act on multiple death threats made against him and his family. In an interview with progressive commentator Brian Tyler Cohen on Wednesday, Swalwell said the DOJ declined to prosecute individuals he reported, despite public assurances that threats against elected officials would be taken seriously.
Swalwell explained that he had referred several credible threats to federal authorities, but was later informed that none of the cases would move forward. “A couple of weeks ago, after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the attorney general had put out on her social media that the administration will aggressively pursue any threats against elected officials, and I responded essentially saying that’s not the case,” Swalwell said.
“We have a number of direct specific threats to me and my kids that have not been prosecuted, and we were sent letters saying they would not be prosecuted.” The congressman’s remarks highlight what he believes is a troubling pattern of selective enforcement within the Justice Department under Trump’s administration.
His criticism comes as several outspoken Trump critics — including former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James — have faced criminal indictments widely viewed by Democrats as politically motivated. Comey was charged with obstruction of justice and lying to Congress, while James was indicted for alleged mortgage fraud. Both have denied the charges.
Swalwell, who has long been one of Trump’s most vocal opponents in Congress, said he fears the department is deliberately neglecting to protect critics of the president. “I don’t want to be treated any better or worse than anyone else,” he said.
“But my fear at this point is that because I have been a critic, and I am someone who holds the president accountable, the DOJ is simply not going after people who threaten me.” According to Swalwell, Attorney General Pam Bondi has since reached out to “look at” the cases he previously submitted. However, he expressed skepticism about whether any meaningful action will be taken.
The California Democrat has frequently received threats since rising to national prominence during the Trump presidency, particularly for his outspoken role in the first impeachment proceedings. His latest comments add to growing concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department and whether law enforcement is being used to protect allies while punishing opponents.
As Swalwell continues to push for accountability, he says his primary concern remains the safety of his family — and the precedent set by a government that ignores threats against its own elected officials.