Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California has filed a federal civil lawsuit against Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, alleging violations of privacy rights and the First Amendment. The 19-page complaint claims that Pulte improperly obtained confidential mortgage records from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before referring individuals to the Department of Justice for prosecution.
Swalwell stated the charges were filed “at a critical juncture in his career,” specifically during the moment he planned to announce his campaign for California governor. The lawsuit argues that Pulte’s actions were “unprecedented and unlawful.”
In a social media post, Swalwell wrote, “Director Pulte has combed through private records of political opponents. To silence them,” adding, “There’s a reason the First Amendment — the freedom of speech — comes before all others.” The lawsuit also references the dismissal of charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James by a federal judge, with the Trump administration vowing to appeal.
Pulte has also been linked to criminal referrals against Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff (Calif.) and Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook. The Federal Housing Finance Agency did not respond to requests for comment.
Swalwell cited novelist George Orwell’s quote: “If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”
