Jeanine Pirro opens tip line targeting Eric Swalwell over misconduct claims

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Wednesday she's opening a public tip line to gather information about alleged sexual misconduct by former California congressman Eric Swalwell. The move, confirmed through her office, marks an unusual step for a federal prosecutor and has quickly drawn criticism from Swalwell's legal team, who say it's less about justice and more about political theater.

Swalwell's attorney issued a statement strongly denying any wrongdoing, calling the tip line a "political hit job" and warning against a "trial in the court of public opinion." The former representative, who served in Congress until early 2025, had been running for governor of California but suspended his campaign last week, citing personal reasons. The timing has fueled speculation that the allegations and Pirro's response are politically charged.

Some Democratic figures who once worked closely with Swalwell expressed surprise at the allegations. While no formal charges have been filed, reports in conservative outlets suggest multiple women may have come forward with accounts of inappropriate behavior during his time in Washington. Still, no details have been made public, and Pirro's office has not confirmed whether a formal investigation is underway.

Legal analysts are raising eyebrows at the use of a public tip line in what could be a federal matter. Typically, federal prosecutors don't solicit tips from the public in this way, especially without first establishing a clear investigative path. Some see it as a tactic to build pressure or public momentum, while others question whether it could compromise due process if allegations are later pursued.

Pirro, a former television personality turned prosecutor, has drawn attention in recent months for her aggressive approach to high-profile political figures. She's also under scrutiny for delays in appealing a court decision that blocked her subpoenas to the Federal Reserve in a separate investigation involving former Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Critics say her actions may be more about visibility than prosecutorial rigor.

Swalwell has not spoken publicly since pausing his campaign. His allies argue he deserves the presumption of innocence and warn that the tip line could encourage unfounded claims. Meanwhile, Pirro's office says it's following proper protocol and reviewing all information that comes in.

With no charges filed and little official detail available, the situation remains fluid. What's clear is that the intersection of law enforcement, media, and politics is once again on display-and for Swalwell, the pause in his campaign may stretch longer depending on how the story unfolds.