Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) said Democrats would use subpoena power to target President Donald Trump and his administration if the party wins control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2026 elections.
In a video clip posted on X, Swalwell criticized Trump’s call to send federal law enforcement and military forces to Washington, D.C., to address violent crime. “We find D.C. under the control of a wannabe aspiring dictator,” he said.
🚨 BREAKING: Congressman Eric Swalwell announces a plan for mass subpoenas of President Trump and his administration for "criminal" activity if and when Democrats assume control of the House after 2026.pic.twitter.com/rPXDbn9NAG
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 14, 2025
In the same clip, Swalwell added: “If we take back the House, we will send subpoenas to the Trump administration to make sure that we hold them accountable for their crimes.”
Trump has denied all allegations, calling the New York prosecution and other criminal cases politically motivated. Several of his court cases remain active.
Swalwell also revisited efforts to grant Washington, D.C., statehood. He highlighted a 2021 bill introduced by Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) that garnered 202 cosponsors but stalled in the Senate due to filibuster resistance from both Republicans and some Democrats.
Supporters say statehood would grant the city’s residents full voting rights in Congress. Opponents argue it would require a constitutional amendment and could shift the political balance in the federal district.
