Representative Eric Swalwell became a television star under Trump’s presidency as one of the prominent legislators advocating narrating the Russian collusion, but news networks have largely avoided Axios ’explosive report on Chinese espionage, which directly involves the California Democrat.
Axios reported on Monday that a Chinese citizen named Fang Fang or Christine Fang was targeting emerging local politicians, including Swalwell, whom he allegedly met as a councilor before being elected to Congress.
Fang allegedly participated in fundraising for Swalwell’s 2014 re-election campaign, although he did not make donations and there was no evidence of illegal contributions.
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Axios said investigators were so alarmed by Fang’s behavior and activities that in 2015, they warned Swalwell of their concerns and held him a “defensive briefing”. Swalwell then severed all ties with Fang and the official, who told the agency, was not charged with an offense.
Despite being a loyal guest on MSNBC and CNN for three years to advance the Russian investigation, including allegations that President Trump was the Kremlin’s “agent,” Swalwell’s latest news was hardly noticed on cable TV. on Tuesday.
MSNBC spent roughly five minutes on the Axios report during the network’s 5 a.m. program on Tuesday, without mentioning it again for the rest of the day. Meanwhile, CNN has completely avoided the story, both online and online.
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After CNN initially ignored the story, Swalwell joined the Liberal Network Wednesday morning to respond to the report.
“I was shocked,” Swalwell told CNN’s Jim Sciutto. “Just over six years ago, I was told this individual and then I offered to help and I helped and the FBI thanked me for my help and this person is no longer in the country and I was a little surprised to read my collaboration in the story because the story says that I never had a suspicion of an infringement. “
Broadcast networks ignored Swalwell’s flattering portrayal, as ABC, CBS, and NBC all missed the debate in both their morning and evening news programs.
In addition, The New York Times and The Washington Post, the respected newspapers that received the Pulitzer Prize for their report on the Russian investigation, did not appear to have touched on Axios ’report on Chinese spy services.
Since the release of the Axios bomb, Swalwell has spoken, referring in an interview with the Politico that Trump is behind the story.
– I was critical of the president. I spoke out against him. I participated in both committees that worked for dismissals. The timing feels like this should be looked at, ”Swalwell said Tuesday.
Swalwell revealed that Axios first approached him about his relationship with Fang in July 2019, when he ended his short-term presidential campaign. But the Democratic legislature seemed to have suggested that intelligence officials involved in Axios ’report tried to“ arm ”his cooperation with the authorities.
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“Although it appears that this person, as the story tells, was unsuccessful, whatever they would have tried to do. But if intelligence officials try to arm someone’s cooperation, they are essentially trying to make that person incapable, which trying to discredit someone, ”Swalwell told Politico.
Politico said Swalwell “refused to discuss his relationship with Fang,” after Axios reported having sex with at least two other politicians.
However, he expressed confidence that he would retain his seat on the House Intelligence Committee.
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“As the story quoted, it dates back to the beginning of the last decade, and congressional leadership knew about it,” Swalwell told Politico.
Swalwell’s office did not respond immediately to Fox News’ comments.
Fox News Adam Shaw and Brian Flood contributed to this report.
