Rep. Eric Swalwell used a past sexual relationship with Katie Miller, now the wife of White House official Stephen Miller, to prevent the release of FBI files detailing his contacts with a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, according to a report by the New York Post.
Miller, who was an intern on Capitol Hill at the time of the relationship before meeting her husband, was reportedly unaware of the Justice Department's involvement until contacted by a reporter. The report states that Swalwell's legal team pointed to the "long-concluded sexual relationship" with Miller as a reason to avoid releasing the files, arguing that doing so could be seen as an attempt to weaponize the Justice Department against a political opponent.
Federal officials had been concerned about Christine Fang, also known as "Fang Fang," who raised money for Swalwell and placed an intern in his office between 2011 and 2015. Sources indicated that Fang was suspected of being a spy, and Swalwell stated he ceased contact after being warned by the FBI.
The connection between Swalwell and Fang became public in 2020. At that time, then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi defended Swalwell and advocated for his continued membership on the House Intelligence Committee.
In early 2026, as Swalwell was reportedly considering a run for California governor and before allegations of sexual misconduct against him became public, FBI Director Kash Patel sought to release the files concerning Swalwell and Fang. However, concerns were raised that Patel might be targeting a political adversary of President Trump. The Department of Justice has a longstanding policy against releasing files that could embarrass public officials, especially when no criminal charges have been filed.
Swalwell himself declined to comment on the specific details of his relationship with Fang, citing national security concerns.
Separately, more than a dozen women accused Swalwell of rape, drugging, and sexual assault in April, allegations he has denied. These accusations led to his withdrawal from the governor's race and his resignation from Congress. At the time the accusations surfaced, Katie Miller publicly supported the accusers, stating on X that Swalwell's behavior was "the worst kept secret on Capitol Hill."