A mortgage fraud investigation involving U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell was initiated last month after William Pulte, the Republican head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, referred allegations from a conservative news outlet to the agency’s inspector general, according to government emails reviewed by Reuters. The Gateway Pundit alleged Swalwell improperly listed his Washington, D.C. home as his “principal residence” on mortgage documents, despite publicly maintaining that he is a permanent resident of California while running for governor.
Emails show Pulte urged the FHFA’s acting inspector general to consider all appropriate actions, including possible engagement with the U.S. Department of Justice, citing potential mortgage, tax, or other fraud. A source familiar with the matter said the issue was also directly referred to the Justice Department. Critics argue the referral fits a broader pattern in which Pulte has targeted prominent Democrats, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senator Adam Schiff, prompting concerns from ethics experts about politicization and abuse of authority.
Swalwell has denied wrongdoing and in late November sued Pulte and the FHFA, alleging violations of privacy and retaliation for exercising his First Amendment rights. He said sworn mortgage documents explicitly disclaimed any intent to occupy the D.C. property as his primary residence. A federal judge has already dismissed a related fraud case against James stemming from a Pulte referral, and subsequent grand juries declined to indict her. The FHFA and Pulte declined to comment, while the Justice Department also refused comment.
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