Leavitt puts Democrats on defense as ‘disgusting’ allegations against Swalwell mount

White House press secretaryKaroline Leavittslammed Democrats on Wednesday over mounting sexual assault allegations against former Rep.Eric Swalwell, questioning what they knew and why no one spoke out sooner.

“I think the accusations and allegations against former Rep.Swalwell are despicable and disgusting,” said Leavitt.

“It’s also quite plausible that there were many other Democrats in this town on Capitol Hill who knew about his,perhaps illegal behavior, certainly his disgusting and inappropriate behavior,” said Leavitt.

Swalwell announced Monday that he would step down from the House after four women came forward accusing the longtime congressman of assault.The mounting allegations, which ultimately derailed his political future, followed his decision to exit California’s 2026 gubernatorial race just a day earlier. 

KASH PATEL TAUNTS SWALWELL WITH FBI SIT-DOWN AS RESIGNATION FALLOUT GROWS

Eric Swalwell delivers a speech at the SEIU-United Service Workers West’s gubernatorial candidate forum in Los Angeles on Jan.10, 2026.(Etienne Laurent/AFP via Getty Images)

Leavitt urged journalists to press lawmakers on why no one spoke out sooner, specifically calling outSen.Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.

“AskDemocrats in powerhow they knew about such despicable behavior from one of their elected representatives for so long, but never said or did anything about it,” said Leavitt.

Read More → Brain aging may accelerate after cancer treatment, study suggests

Gallego on Monday accused his close congressional ally andlongtime friend of livinga double life.

Rep.Eric Swalwell spoke during a press conference at the U.S.Capitol on Jan.25, 2023, in Washington, D.C.(Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Read More → Cigarette smoking in America plummets to historic single-digit low, new study finds

“I want to be clear: I had no knowledge of the allegations of assault, harassment, and predatory behavior against Eric Swalwell,” Gallego said in a statement following Swalwell dropping out ofCalifornia’s 2026 gubernatorial race.

5TH ACCUSER COMES FORWARD AGAINST REP ERIC SWALWELL AHEAD OF EXPECTED RESIGNATION

Read More → Nearly half of seniors improve with age — and researchers think they know why

“Ask Democrats in power how they knew about such despicable behavior from one of their elected representatives for so long, but never said or did anything about it,” said Leavitt.(Mattie Neretin/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has also denied having any knowledge of Swalwell’s alleged behavior, saying “none whatsoever” in response to a reporter.

Pelosi added Swalwell’s resignation announcement Monday was a “smart decision” and the “right thing to do” after a wave of allegations threatened to force his ouster.

Read More → Baby among 3 dead in holiday horror as Easter egg hunt turns deadly

onelink.me/xLDS?pid=AppArticleLink&af_web_dp=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.

com/category/politics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gallego’s officefor comment.

�s Adam Pack contributed to this report.

Ashley J.