October 26, 2025

Rep. Swalwell is one of our toughest fighters in the battle for democracy — and that’s why he’s one of my favorite guests to have on the show. Recently, he joined me to discuss Mike Johnson’s Epstein Shutdown, the weaponization of the DOJ, and how Democrats would bring accountability back to Congress. 

As Republicans flee Washington to protect Donald Trump, Rep. Swalwell and I talk about what makes this shutdown so different — and how it will end. I hope you enjoy this conversation with one of our great podcast regulars. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Marc Elias: Congressman Eric Swalwell, welcome back to Defending Democracy.

Rep. Swalwell: Thanks, Marc. Thanks for having me back.

Marc Elias: Alright, so I had to have you back because here's what we got. We got troops in American cities. We've got Donald Trump indicting his political enemies. We have his effort to force more Republican states into redistricting. And by the way, the Epstein files are still not released. And the government is shut down. So I was going to play dealer's choice with you since you are a regular here. I feel like you should just kick up your feet and make yourself at home. What do you see as right now, the biggest of all of these threats?

Rep. Swalwell: Well, it's an Epstein shutdown. So I'll merge number three and five.

Marc Elias: I like that.

Rep. Swalwell: It's crazy when you say it out loud, because the truth is we are not in Washington right now negotiating during this 14th day of the shutdown — the eve of the troops not getting paid, air traffic controllers not getting paid, essential employees not getting paid. 14 days in, we're not in Washington because if we were in Washington, they would have to swear in the 218th signature that would force the vote on the Epstein files.

And there's no other explanation as to why we are not here. This is the fourth shutdown that I've been a part of, unfortunately, and every shutdown...