Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) stated on CNN Monday that Democrats plan to target private citizens who engage in dealings with the Trump administration if they secure a majority in the House of Representatives during the 2026 midterm elections. The remarks followed Democratic criticism of what they describe as an abuse of the Department of Justice against President Trump’s opponents, amid former FBI Director James Comey’s recent indictment.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed these claims last week, asserting, “It is NOT ‘weaponizing the Department of Justice’ to demand accountability for those who weaponized the Department of Justice.” She referenced Democrats’ prolonged efforts to prosecute Trump and his allies, adding, “Nobody knows what that looks like more than President Trump. We are not going to tolerate this gaslighting.”

Swalwell expressed confidence in Democrats’ 2026 prospects, telling CNN host Kate Bolduan the party “has every intention” of securing a House majority despite low approval ratings. He emphasized plans to enforce oversight and accountability, including subpoenaing the Department of Justice and “private actors who have struck deals with the administration.”

The congressman specifically cited college campuses, entertainment companies, and law firms as potential targets, framing his remarks as an attempt to deter individuals from engaging with the Trump administration. “Accountability is coming,” he said, adding, “I hope that deters people from doing more of these deals.” The nature of the alleged “deals” remained unspecified.

Swalwell, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Judiciary, was removed from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence in 2023 over allegations involving a suspected Chinese spy.