Rep Eric Swalwell threatens to impeach Trump officials if Democrats flip the House in 2026

WASHINGTON, DC: California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell is openly signaling that impeachment could be back on the table for Trump-aligned lawmakers if Democrats manage to flip the House in the 2026 midterms.

Appearing on MSNBC’s 'The Weekend' on Sunday, December 28, Swalwell laid out what he described as potential tools Democrats would be willing to use should they regain control of the chamber next year. The remarks came during a discussion on the Department of Justice’s delayed release of files tied to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Eric Swalwell threatens GOP with impeachment

During the interview, the host pressed Swalwell on what actions Congress could take regarding the Epstein files. “Congressman, it sounds like you're saying that inherent contempt, holding these officials in, or even the possible vote on impeachment of someone like Pam [Bondi]...” the host asked.

Swalwell replied, “Yeah, restricting funding.”

The host followed up, suggesting such actions would likely depend on Democrats winning back the House. “It sounds like, though, that may not happen until or if Democrats actually win the House in 2026. Is that right?” the host said.

Swalwell agreed and made clear what Democrats would be prepared to do if they gain a majority. “Yes. And so we have to telegraph that that's what we're willing to do if we are given the majority... Impeachment... holding people in contempt... restricting funding. That's what we're willing to do if given the majority," he declared.

Epstein files remain a flashpoint

The controversy centers on court documents and grand jury materials tied to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

While some Epstein-related documents have been released over the years, critics continue to demand full, unredacted disclosures.

Trump’s name appears in certain documents, though without any criminal accusations. Swalwell and other Democrats have argued that the Trump administration is deliberately delaying the release of additional materials in order to shield political allies and associates.

On the other hand, the Department of Justice has said that further releases could occur in the coming weeks.

Swalwell’s calls for disclosure

Swalwell has pushed for full disclosure of Epstein-related records since 2019. That same year, he called for the resignation of the then-Labor Secretary Alex Acosta, who had overseen Epstein’s controversial 2008 plea deal while serving as a federal prosecutor.

In an MSNBC interview in July this year, Swalwell called the files 'the flour to the cake' in relation to Trump’s past promises to supporters. At the time, he insisted the issue was not political and that it was about 'truth, victims, and protecting vulnerable teenage girls rather than politics.'

Swalwell has criticized Republicans for failing to use subpoena power to force disclosures and has accused both the Biden and Trump administrations of withholding documents, while highlighting delays tied to Trump-appointed officials.

In September, Swalwell clashed publicly with FBI Director Kash Patel during a congressional hearing. Patel dismissed Swalwell’s record in blunt terms, calling the congressman’s career a 'disgrace.'

A former 2020 presidential candidate and a vocal supporter of Trump’s prior impeachments, Swalwell announced earlier this year that he plans to run for governor of California in 2026.

That said, Republicans currently hold the House majority after gains in the 2024 elections. Democrats would need a net pickup of roughly four seats to reclaim control.

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