Newly declassified documents have brought renewed attention to a 2015 investigation involving former Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Christine Fang, a woman identified by federal authorities as a suspected Chinese intelligence operative. According to the records, Swalwell disclosed to FBI investigators that he had engaged in physical relations with Fang during the period of their acquaintance.

Swalwell, who left Congress in April, has previously stated that he cut off all contact with Fang once he was alerted by the FBI to her potential ties to foreign intelligence. The documents confirm that Swalwell cooperated with the investigation at the time, providing information to federal authorities regarding his interactions with Fang. While the investigation into Fang’s activities was significant, Swalwell was never accused of any wrongdoing or criminal activity. The release of these documents by the White House Transparency Task Force provides a formal record of the disclosures Swalwell made during the initial federal inquiry. The situation has historically been a point of political contention, with critics often citing the relationship as a security concern, while supporters and Swalwell himself maintain that he acted appropriately by cooperating with law enforcement as soon as the nature of the woman's activities became clear.