Rep. Eric Swalwell: Hypocrite Extraordinaire

On January 3, 2026, following reports that U.S. forces had captured Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, Swalwell posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“When I talk to Californians, you know what ranks lowest on their priorities? Illegally going to war with Venezuela. Just lower the damn prices.”

Extensive searches of Rep. Eric Swalwell’s voting record, public statements, and media coverage from 2013 to 2017 reveal no instances where he objected to President Barack Obama’s use of military assets in foreign incursions or attacks.congress+1​

Swalwell’s Tenure and Obama Era

Eric Swalwell entered Congress as a freshman Democrat in January 2013, serving California’s 15th District until 2023. This overlapped with Obama’s final four years, including key military actions like drone strikes in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia; the 2011 Libya intervention (pre-Swalwell); and proposed 2013 Syria strikes. Congressional records show no sponsored bills or amendments by Swalwell challenging Obama’s authorizations under the 2001 AUMF or other operations.politifact+3​

Syria Strike Position

In September 2013, Obama sought congressional approval for limited strikes on Syria after chemical attacks. Swalwell initially supported intervention, aligning with House Democratic leadership and not signing Rep. Barbara Lee’s letter demanding prior authorization. After Obama pivoted to diplomacy via Russia, Swalwell endorsed the shift, stating he backed “President Obama’s decision to pursue a diplomatic solution…and postpone military action.” No vote occurred, but his stance mirrored Obama’s, not opposing it.nytimes+3​

Drone Strikes and Other Operations

Obama escalated drone strikes, killing thousands, including U.S. citizen Anwar al-Awlaki in 2011. Swalwell issued no criticisms or calls for oversight during his tenure. Records lack objections to Yemen, Somalia, or Iraq airstrikes authorized under existing resolutions. Later, in 2017 under Trump, Swalwell noted U.S. actions in Syria resembled war but did not retroactively critique Obama.congress+3​

Broader Record

Swalwell’s congressional activity primarily focuses on domestic issues, including gun control and ethics, with no anti-intervention votes or statements against Obama-era foreign policy. Whip lists and trackers confirm his pro-Obama alignment on national security. Absence of evidence across votes, press releases, and interviews indicates consistent support.ebcitizen+3

Fox News, Jonathan Turley: Why capture of Maduro didn’t require approval from Congress

The operation comes not long after the 37th anniversary of the capture of Manuel Antonio Noriega on Dec. 20, 1989. Noriega was convicted of drug and money laundering offenses and sentenced to 40 years in prison. He was tried in Miami.

This operation will be justified as executing the criminal warrant and responding to an international drug cartel, a very similar legal framework to the one used against Noriega. There is precedent supporting that earlier operation, which will now be used to defend the actions in Venezuela.

Trump does not need congressional approval for this type of operation. Presidents, including Democratic presidents, have launched lethal attacks regularly against individuals. President Barack Obama killed an American citizen under this “kill list” policy. If Obama can vaporize an American citizen without even a criminal charge, Trump can capture a foreign citizen with a pending criminal indictment without prior congressional approval.

Ordinarily, the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and other international agreements require the United States to notify the embassy of a foreign national arrested and held in the United States. Notice seems a tad superfluous in this case.