Eric Swalwell Accuses FBI Director Kash Patel of 'Bulls--t' Over Epstein Files

Heated Exchange Over Epstein Files

• 🏛️ Representative Eric Swalwell confronted FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
• ❓ Swalwell questioned Patel on whether he had reviewed all the Epstein files, to which Patel responded he had not reviewed the entirety.
• 🎯 Patel stated his focus has been on providing resources to reduce crime rates, including homicide and child trafficking, rather than reviewing all Epstein files.

Trump's Name in Epstein Files

• ❓ Swalwell pressed Patel on the number of times Donald Trump's name appears in the files, suggesting it could be as high as a thousand times.
• 🚫 Patel denied this, stating the number is misleading and that no names have been released without credibility.
• 🗣️ Patel asserted that the FBI has released all credible and lawfully permissible information involving President Trump and others.

Handling of Information and Accusations

• ⚖️ Swalwell cited a court statement suggesting that information held by the Department of Justice pales in comparison to Epstein investigation materials.
• 🚫 Patel stated he has never spoken to President Trump about the Epstein files.
• 🤝 Patel confirmed discussions with the Attorney General about the Epstein files but evaded a direct yes/no answer on whether he informed the AG about Trump's name being in the files.

'Government Gangsters' Book and Recusal

• 📚 Swalwell referenced Patel's book, "Government Gangsters," and questioned whether Patel would recuse himself from investigations involving individuals he identified in the book, including Swalwell himself.
• ❌ Patel did not provide a direct yes or no answer to the recusal question, leading Swalwell to interpret his evasiveness as consciousness of guilt.
• 🗣️ The exchange became contentious, with Patel suggesting Swalwell focus on reducing violent crime in California rather than political innuendo.