Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) accused a top Trump administration official of secretly pulling Democrats’ private mortgage records and weaponizing them to trigger federal criminal probes.
According to the suit filed Tuesday, Bill Pulte abused his position by scouring databases overseen by government-sponsored enterprises for private records — including those of Swalwell — and used the information to “concoct fanciful allegations of mortgage fraud.” Swalwell’s December referral, dated Nov. 13, claimed he had falsely listed a Washington, D.C., home as his primary residence on a mortgage application to secure more favorable loan terms.
The civil suit argued that the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) did not have the authority to obtain, use, or leak private data belonging to several prominent Democrats, who are widely viewed as staunch critics of President Donald Trump.
“Today I have filed a civil lawsuit against FHA Director Bill Pulte for violating the Privacy Act and First Amendment,” Swalwell said in a statement. “Director Pulte has combed through private records of political opponents. To silence them.”
According to the lawsuit, Pulte “abused his position” by scouring government-sponsored databases for the private records of a number of Democrats, including Swalwell, which he then used “to concoct fanciful allegations of mortgage fraud” that he referred to the Justice Department for prosecution, the lawsuit stated.
The DOJ opened a probe into Swalwell on Nov. 13 over alleged mortgage fraud.
The lawsuit argues Pulte’s conduct violated the federal Privacy Act and the First Amendment — portraying the referrals as retaliatory acts aimed at punishing vocal critics of former President Donald Trump. Swalwell is requesting a court order rescinding the DOJ referral, plus monetary damages.
“The allegations in Pulte’s referral are patently false,” the suit argued.
Pulte’s referral process is not limited to Swalwell. In April 2025, the FHFA formally referred New York Attorney General Letitia James to the DOJ for potential prosecution, alleging she committed mortgage fraud. Specifically, Pulte accused James of misrepresenting a 2023 purchase in Norfolk, Virginia, as her “primary residence,” even though she was serving full-time as New York’s attorney general. He also alleged she mischaracterized the unit count on a Brooklyn multifamily property she owned.
The DOJ opened a criminal investigation into James following the referral. The charges included bank fraud and false statements to a financial institution.
James has denied wrongdoing. Her legal team called the allegations “baseless” and politically motivated.
Her case, however, has already run into legal and procedural headwinds: On Nov. 24, 2025, a federal judge dismissed her indictment — without prejudice — on the grounds that the interim U.S. Attorney who signed the charges had been unlawfully appointed.
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Actually funny!When Republicans do what Democrats and dirtbags like Fan-Fang banger Swalwell do all the time,then it is a crime
More corruption from those who wear black robes and set in judgment,
If you have done nothing wrong then you have nothing to fear. So as Winson Churchell said, “You have nothing to fear but fear itself” unless of course you have done something illegal. Mortgage papers are not secret items and can be pulled for review by almost anyone. So what’s your beef?
He has discredited his self and our nation.
Swallwell is a crook and most Californianas know that! Talks out of both sides of his mouth, just like the gubnor!