Mark Levin Podcast – April 14, 2026

Episode: “The Downfall of Eric Swalwell”

Episode Overview

In this explosive episode, Mark Levin takes a deep dive into the sudden and dramatic resignation of Representative Eric Swalwell from Congress. Levin unpacks the multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and criminal activity that led to Swalwell’s downfall, examines the role of the media and Democratic establishment in covering up these allegations for years, and critiques the culture of corruption on Capitol Hill. Political analyst and law professor Jonathan Turley joins the discussion, offering insight into the timing and implications of the revelations. The episode is fiery, fast-paced, and packed with details exposing political hypocrisy and media complicity.

Major Discussion Points & Key Insights

Breaking News: Eric Swalwell Resigns Amid Scandal

[02:14] Mark Levin

• Announces that Eric Swalwell is resigning from the House.

• Reads Swalwell’s lawyered statement of apology and denial of criminal wrongdoing:

  “I’m deeply sorry to my family, staff and constituents for mistakes and judgments I’ve made in my past. I will fight the serious false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”
  — Eric Swalwell, [02:58]

• Breakdown of allegations:

  • Sexual assault and misconduct, including rape allegations from multiple women (staffers and acquaintances).
  • A New York investigation on potential tax violations with an illegal alien staffer.

• Levin's take:

  “This guy lived a life of abusing women, honestly. Of abusing his wife by cheating on her… He’s a real pig, a real scumbag and maybe worse.”
  — [03:44]

Media & Political Cover-Up

[06:50]

• Levin details the years-long “whisper network” about Swalwell’s behavior, noting that:
  • Local journalists (e.g., Steve Tavares) and Democratic operatives knew about this since 2013.
  • The Democratic establishment and media protected Swalwell for political reasons.
  • Reference to congressional slush funds for sexual harassment settlements, with members voting to keep participants' names secret.

  “Let’s be honest, this was a cover up by Democrats, elected Democrats, Democrat operatives and the media. And the media.”
  — [15:28]

The Role of Influencers and New Media

[31:50]

• Recent revelations were amplified by social media influencers, not traditional media.
• Ariella Fodder (“Mrs. Frazzled”) and Cheyenne Hunt cited as instrumental in bringing allegations to public attention after conventional channels ignored them.
  • Levin remains skeptical of their overall influence, crediting the actual women who came forward.

Double Standards & Hypocrisy

[08:22]

• Levin contrasts the aggressive, evidence-free attacks against Republicans (e.g., Kavanaugh) with the silence around Swalwell:

  “When you watch these people…attack Kavanaugh without any evidence... and then you see who some of these people really are.”

Fallout Reaches Beyond Swalwell

[13:40]

• Discussion of Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), a close friend and defender of Swalwell, now facing scrutiny for his own conduct and abrupt withdrawal of support.
• Examination of the broader culture, insinuating many more cases are being hidden in Congress.

Timeline and Political Motivation

[52:05] — Jonathan Turley joins

• Turley questions the timing, suggesting the Democratic Party wanted Swalwell out before California's “jungle primary” could lock in Republican front-runners.

  “Things like this don’t ordinarily happen where you’re the leading Democratic candidate for the governorship… and the very next week you are out of Congress…”
  — Turley, [50:27]

• Both host and guest assert the media and party establishment only acted when it became politically necessary.

Media's Complicity and Failures

[39:17], [53:53], [63:04]

• Levin and Turley repeatedly hammer media aggregation sites and outlets (Mediaite, Drudge Report, etc.) for refusing to pursue the story.

  “The media could no longer ignore it. But, you know, he’s been basically one of the made men of D.C., and the question is, who made him?... Nancy Pelosi”
  — Turley, [53:53] “Swalwell was protected, don’t think anything else. He was protected by the media, protected by the aggregation sites.”
  — Levin, [39:17]

Culture of Abuse in Congress

[60:19], [102:05]

• Turley and Levin note these problems are common and systemic, not isolated to Swalwell.

  “We hear these allegations against members all the time… treated as something you basically yield to them because they serve another purpose.”
  — Turley, [60:19]

Comparison to Republican Scandals and Media Reaction

[104:52]

• Levin plays clips of Swalwell’s past attacks on Brett Kavanaugh to highlight hypocrisy.
  • Also mentions Republican Tony Gonzalez resigning after a sexual misconduct scandal, arguing these issues are bipartisan but Democrats receive better cover until politically inconvenient.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Levin: “If he wasn’t a congressman, he’d probably be in prison. I’m not kidding.” [19:45]
• Levin: “What media outlet picked up on that?…No, because they’re all Democrats.” [34:44]
• Turley: “He was a made guy… until he became a liability.” [55:12]
• Turley: “Scandal is a commodity in Washington, and it is bought and sold. But this is a city controlled by an establishment media that only uses that commodity for one purpose.” [62:36]
• Levin: “Socialism is about emotion. Capitalism is about commerce… Socialism didn’t create anything. Nothing.” [91:00]
• Levin, comparing party responses: “They thought they were safe. They thought they were the poster boy… But remember, Cuomo was going to run for president. They all found out once their use was up, the party was going to do the same thing to them they do to the Republicans.” [104:03, caller Fred]

Key Timestamps

• [02:14] – Breaking news: Swalwell’s resignation, summary of allegations.
• [05:33] – Reading details of sexual misconduct accusations, media coverage.
• [13:40] – Fallout and connections to other politicians.
• [19:45] – House Ethics Committee investigation and likely halt after resignation.
• [31:50] – The rise of “influencers” in bringing the story to light.
• [39:17] – Media’s failure to report on allegations; Levin critiques Mediaite, Drudge, etc.
• [50:27] – Jonathan Turley joins; analysis of timing, Democratic strategy.
• [53:53] – Media silence, Nancy Pelosi’s enabling, and DC culture.
• [60:19] – Systemic abuse in Congress, protected by power structures.
• [91:00] – Socialism vs. capitalism; segue into current political rhetoric.
• [104:52] – Contrasts with the Kavanaugh hearings & Pelosi’s past defense of Swalwell.

Conclusion

This episode is a sweeping critique of both Eric Swalwell’s conduct and the political/media institutions that shielded him for years. Mark Levin, with support from Jonathan Turley, dissects the nature of political power, hypocrisy, and media complicity in Washington, arguing that the ultimate loser is the public’s trust. The episode provides context, inside details, and direct comparisons to other scandals, making a case for systemic reform and more honest media coverage.

Note:

• Levin’s signature direct, uncompromising tone runs through the episode, with sharp asides, humor, and frequent digressions into related political critiques.
• Turley provides measured legal and political commentary, reinforcing points about timing, cover-ups, and the culture of impunity in Congress.
• Listener calls and additional political topics (e.g., Thomas Jefferson, socialism vs. capitalism, 25th Amendment) are woven in, but the Swalwell scandal remains the main focus through the first 90 minutes.