Swalwell Calls Out Trump’s Unlawful War and Discusses Gov Race

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast

Episode: Swalwell Calls Out Trump’s Unlawful War and Discusses Gov Race

Date: March 29, 2026
Guests: Rep. Eric Swalwell (Democratic Congressmember, California Gubernatorial Candidate)
Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas

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Overview

This episode centers on the escalating political turmoil surrounding Donald Trump’s presidency, particularly focusing on his unpopular war in Iran, economic instability, and dissent even within conservative circles. The Meiselas brothers are joined by Rep. Eric Swalwell, who both critiques Trump’s domestic and foreign policy failures and outlines his vision and candidacy for Governor of California. The episode is characterized by candid progressive advocacy, informed critique, and the signature brotherly banter of the hosts.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The GOP in Disarray: Calls for Trump’s Impeachment (02:39–06:07)

• Dissent at CPAC:
  Ben describes a surprising moment at the conservative CPAC convention where the crowd clapped at the idea of Trump’s impeachment, signaling growing fractures even among his base.

  • Eric Swalwell: “How many of you would like to see impeachment hearings? No. That was the wrong answer. How many of you would like to see impeachment hearings?” (03:04)

• Trump Allies Are Worried:
  Trump’s associates, like legal deputy Todd Blanche and former Florida AG Pam Bondi, are openly fretting about being investigated if Democrats regain power.

  • Todd Blanche: “Everybody’s afraid that the next administration, if we don’t win, we’re going to all be investigated and indicted. Think about that...All of President Trump’s Cabinet, everybody that worked in the White House, his Secret Service detail, had to go to the grand jury.” (03:53)
  • Pam Bondi: “Being a citizen in our country is a privilege. It’s not a right. And Donald Trump is going to have everyone in this country who deserves to be here, who’s a citizen.” (04:47)

• Trump’s Approval Ratings Collapse:
  Ben cites polling showing Trump’s historically low approval, especially on economic issues, indicating slipping support even among conservative demographics like non-college white men.

  • Net negative 41 on cost of living, approval “crashing down each week” (05:04)

• Trump’s Paranoia:
  Trump himself jokes about the possibility of the 25th Amendment being used against him due to his conduct.

  • Donald Trump: “…if I did [tell you my plans], I wouldn’t be sitting here for long. They probably, what is it called, the 25th Amendment.” (05:45)

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2. Eric Swalwell Reacts: War, Costs, and Trump’s Broken Promises (06:07–09:12)

• CPAC Impeachment Cheers:
  Swalwell comments on conservative unrest over Trump’s broken “day one” promises, especially regarding cost of living and his embrace of tariffs and new overseas wars.

  • Eric Swalwell: “He said he would have no more wars. Instead, he’s added wars to the map. And it’s costing us money…we are paying almost $2 more per gallon today because of these wars than we paid on the first day of Joe Biden’s presidency.” (06:51)

• Failed Priorities:
  Swalwell slams the ease with which Congress finds $200 billion for war, yet not for domestic priorities like housing or healthcare:

  • Podcast Host: “…it’s so easy to say $200 billion supplemental for a war in Iran…why is it so difficult to spend money here to actually help the American people…?” (07:36)
  • Eric Swalwell: “You help people and bring down costs and lift up opportunity. And two, he’d be more popular…the popularity tracks exactly with what people expected and are not seen from this guy.” (08:42)

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3. The California Governor’s Race & Swalwell’s Vision (09:12–15:31)

• Jungle Primary Fears and Pitch:
  Ben explores California’s unique “jungle primary” system, expressing concern that a crowded field could let two Republicans through.

  • Eric Swalwell: “Californians want a fighter and a protector…there is a risk right now that two Republicans could get through in a crowded field. Now, we are at the top consistently in all the polling…But if we had a Republican governor, God forbid, Donald Trump would have a Western White House.” (10:02)

• Protection vs. Cruelty:
  Discussion on the dystopian atmosphere created by Trump’s policies—ICE raids, public executions, abuse of power—and a hopeful vision for using resources to build rather than destroy.

  • Podcast Host: “…imagine if there was the governor of a state…who, rather than seeing ICE on the streets…we saw homes being built…parks were being built…” (11:30)
  • Eric Swalwell: “You can put your energy in one of two directions…You can put it in the direction of good and growth…or you can put it toward cruelty and evil as the president and so many others have done.” (13:26)

• Policy Promises:
  Swalwell outlines his plan for fast-tracking housing construction as central to affordability:

  • Eric Swalwell: “I’ll focus on, on day one…tell every agency…they have 90 days to approve or deny every outstanding housing application so that we surge supply…A goal without a deadline is a dream. And Californians…are done dreaming. They want more doing.” (13:26)

• Why ‘A New California’:
  Swalwell explains his campaign’s name as a promise to “write a new California story” centered on affordability, growth, and modernization—beyond Trump era trauma.

  • Eric Swalwell: “…building on the optimism of a great state that always remakes and reimagines itself, that’s the path forward. I could have named my campaign anything, Ben. I named it A New California…We have to write a new California story as it relates to post Trump…” (13:26)

• Campaign Details:
  Swalwell shares where to find out more and touts a wide base of support.

  • Eric Swalwell: “rickswalwell1l in the middle on social and ericswalwell.com and about 38 days to go until voters go to the polls…from Senator Schiff to SEIU to California’s firefighters and doctors, we have broad support in this race.” (14:52)

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “He promised he’d lower costs on day one. And instead he’s done the exact opposite with this stupid tariff tax…” — Eric Swalwell, (06:51)
• “If we had a Republican governor, God forbid, Donald Trump would have a Western White House.” — Eric Swalwell, (10:02)
• “A goal without a deadline is a dream. And Californians…are done dreaming. They want more doing.” — Eric Swalwell, (13:26)
• “The first thing you have to do is show how you’re going to protect against a president whose ICE agents are chasing Californians…dragging women by their hair and throwing them into unmarked vans, and who are committing public executions.” — Eric Swalwell, (10:02)
• “You can put your energy in one of two directions…good and growth…or cruelty and evil…” — Eric Swalwell, (13:26)

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Key Timestamps

• 02:39 – Start of substantive content, Trump backlash at CPAC
• 06:07 – Interview with Eric Swalwell begins
• 06:51 – Swalwell critiques Trump’s broken economic promises
• 09:12 – Jungle primary and governor’s race discussion
• 10:02 – Swalwell’s pitch: protection, experience, warnings about GOP control
• 11:30 – Broader vision for California, policy for housing and optimism
• 13:26 – Swalwell’s housing plan and campaign philosophy (“A New California”)
• 14:52 – Where to learn more about Swalwell’s campaign

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Conclusion

The episode provides a blunt critique of Trump’s leadership from both left-leaning and disenchanted conservative perspectives, highlighting the political and moral stakes in this turbulent moment. Eric Swalwell emerges as a candidate defining himself by his history of fighting Trump, commitment to progressive policies, and a detailed approach to housing and affordability in California. The conversation is both urgent and hopeful, with repeated reminders of the power of good governance and civic engagement.

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For more:

• Learn about Swalwell’s campaign: ericswalwell.com
• Subscribe to the podcast and stay engaged with the fight for democracy.

Transcript

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[Podcast Host]

Donald Trump is panicking as even people from his own cult are calling for his impeachment. That's right. At a CPAC convention, the head of CPAC Schlap tried to hype up the CPAC crowd and and said, who here wants to see Donald Trump get impeached and then the crowd started clapping for Trump's impeachment at the CPAC event. Here, watch this clip.

[Eric Swalwell]

How many of you would like to see impeachment hearings? No. That was the wrong answer. How many of you would like to see impeachment hearings?

[Lowe's Advertiser]

No.

[Eric Swalwell]

Can someone bring some coffee out for the.

[Podcast Host]

Okay, well, that either demonstrates that they want to have him impeached or the type of voter who flocks to Donald Trump. But at that same CPAC event, you had Todd Blanche, Donald Trump's deputy ag, panicking over the fact that if Democrats take control of the House and Democrats take control of the executive branch in 2028, the that blanch and all of Trump's Cabinet are likely going to be prosecuted. Here's what he says. Let's play it.

[Todd Blanche]

Everybody's afraid that the next administration, if we don't win, we're going to all be investigated and indicted. Think about that. This is not a third world country. This is America. And the existing administration is afraid that they're going to get indicted. And why are they afraid? Because that's exactly what happened during the last administration. All of President Trump's Cabinet, everybody that worked in the White House, his Secret Service detail, had to go to the grand jury.

[Podcast Host]

And meanwhile, Pam Bondi is trying to raise her hand up and say, look, I'm exhibit A, everybody. As earlier on Friday morning, while the markets were also tanking, she said, you know, being a citizen in our country, it's not a right. It is an absolute privilege to be a citizen. And Donald Trump's going to pick who he wants to be as a citizen, because it's Donald Trump's determination of if you have the privilege to be one. Here, let's watch what she says. Play this clip.

[Pam Bondi]

Lied about their marriage to get in this country. You can't do that. Being a citizen in our country is a privilege. It's not a right. And Donald Trump is going to have everyone in this country who deserves to be here, who's a citizen. And yeah, sure, it could be faster, it could be easier, but I think we're moving at lightning speed given what we're up against.

[Podcast Host]

I'm thinking about the Old Dominion. Shoot. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's approval is absolutely tanking on the economy. It's net negative like 33, the lowest in presidential history at this time on cost of living. Net negative 41. His overall approval is 36%. And it's just continues to crash each week amongst white, non college male voters. He's at a net negative 4% right there. When just this past December 2025, he was a plus 10. So it's all a crashing down for Donald, who is also curious about the 25th Amendment being invoked against him as well. Let's play this clip.

[Donald Trump]

But I wouldn't talk. It's like the question this young lady asked. Sorry about. I embarrassed. I don't want to embarrass you because I think you're, I think she's a friendly reporter. So I'm sorry. But, you know, I can't say what we're going to do because if I did, I wouldn't be sitting here for long. They probably, what is it called, the 25th Amendment. That institute the 25th Amendment, which, which

[Podcast Host]

I want to bring in Democratic Congressmember Eric Swalwell is also running for governor. The great state of California, the state that I call home. Congressmember Swallow, it's great to see you as always. I want to get into what's going on in California, what's going on with the airports in California. We'll get there. But I want to first just have you react to just this historical moment that we're in as this disastrous war rages on in Iran, as Americans can't afford things at home and as we see a deranged Donald Trump do his encore, I guess, to Covid doing the exact same shtick as we head into Easter. But about this disastrous war in Iran, as our economy implodes and as we lose lives overseas.

[Eric Swalwell]

I saw your CPAC clip intro. Sounds like there's a lot of conservatives who want the president to be impeached. And I bet they're pretty pissed that this guy promised he'd lower costs on day one. And instead he's done the exact opposite with this stupid tariff tax that has raised the cost of almost everything that we buy. He said he would have no more wars. Instead, he's added wars to the map. And it's costing us money. By the way, in California, as you see when you go to the gas station, we are paying almost $2 more per gallon today because of these wars than we paid on the first day of Joe Biden's presidency. So he's costing us in every way. And if you listen to that room, sounds like people are pretty pissed off about it.

[Podcast Host]

You know, with all of the destruction he's unleashed and with all of the money that they've spent on this destruction, I've always thought we imagined a world regardless of who the person is, came into power and they used the money in order to build housing and to give people health care and to help people get the type of education they want and help people find jobs and the amount of effort spent right now hurting people, if you use those same funds and help people, it always just seemed like the entire country would benefit or the State of California, states across this country would benefit. It's obviously there. If it's so easy to say $200 billion supplemental for a war in Iran where we're chasing Netanyahu into a war over there and no one even knows what the hell we're doing, you know, to kill people, why is it so difficult to spend money here to actually help the American people that could have a return on investment?

[Eric Swalwell]

Two things would happen if he did that. First, he helped people and bring down costs and lift up opportunity. And two, he'd be more popular. The popularity tracks exactly with what people expected and are not seen from this guy. And all they see is that he has more plans for a ballroom in the East Wing than he does to lower costs or to carry out this war in Iran, which he can't justify or explain what he's going to do next.

[Podcast Host]

So talk to us about California. People refer to this as a jungle primary. And people get awfully nervous who look at that jungle primary, and they get worried. They see two Republicans and 10 Democrats, and people have been very proud, I think, in California of the way Newsom has stood up to Donald Trump and pushed back against him and been a leader internationally as well during a time when that was needed because California is also the fourth largest economy of the world. And so people are saying, what's going on with this jungle primary? And what's, what do I make of it? And, and, and, you know, who, how do you make sense? I mean, obviously, you're in it, you know, and, you know, and so what's, what's your pitch to the voters?

[Eric Swalwell]

Californians want a fighter and a protector. And as I talk to folks from Reading to Redlands, you know, what I hear is they ask, what are you going to do to fight and protect for me? And you mentioned Governor Newsom, and there's no person in America who's more protected by their governor than a Californian, by Governor Newsom. And so the first thing you have to do is show how you're going to protect against a president whose ICE agents are chasing Californians through the fields and factories where people work, who are dragging women by their hair and throwing them into unmarked vans, and who are committing public executions. You have to protect the people first. And I offer in our candidacy, 10 years of being in the arena and taking on this guy in every imaginable way, from investigations to impeachments to my own lawsuit against him, that is the only one that survived this new presidency. It's me and the January 6th officers. But then also being in parallel able to write a new California story on lowering the dam costs. And you said it. There are a lot of candidates in this field. There is a risk right now that two Republicans could get through in a crowded field. Now, we are at the top consistently in all the polling. We're consistently the only Democrat that has been and the top two. But if we had a Republican governor, God forbid, Donald Trump would have a Western White House. And what Californians want right now as it relates to Donald Trump is not a friend. They want a fighter.

[Podcast Host]

You know, as I think about, whether it's the California governor's race, governor's races across the country, heck, the Iowa governor's race, I have people like that on here. Right. You know, I think about ICE and Border Patrol on the streets, though, and what it's like living in California, seeing people terrorized and tortured here, seeing those scenes across the country, seeing the cruelty of Elon Musk and Doge and taking people's private data and gutting these programs or cutting off aid to people with hiv. And just the true extent of the cruelty isn't even, isn't even known yet. And I think when we read that, it'll be proportions that are so sick. But I think, I just imagine, imagine if there was the governor of a state or the leader of the country who, rather than seeing ice on the streets when we were driving down our blocks, we saw homes being built. And rather than a Musk who was cruel and taking away and mocking people on social media. And I'm not suggesting Elon would do it, but, but you actually saw Tesla homes being built that were $50,000 or, and they were going up and people were, with their families playing up, and parks were being built, you know, and to me, I just think of that and I'm like, we know that's possible, because again, if you do all the opposite with that, with your, with the money, it's possible just to do that and have help people. So it seems like, you know, you, you running for the governor's race. I mean, it seems to me when I speak to voters, what they're looking for is who can execute on that vision to see things getting built and, and, and connections being made and help being offered and people being uplifted and steady leadership. What do you think about that?

[Eric Swalwell]

Yeah, you can put your energy in one of two directions, right? You can put it in the direction of good and growth, growth in wages, growth in economic development, growth in the number of houses in California, or you can put it toward cruelty and evil as the president and so many others have done. What I have said I'll focus on, on day one is to tell every agency in the state that they have 90 days to approve or deny every outstanding housing application so that we surge supply. I've always thought over 20 years in government, from being a planning commissioner to a city councilman to a deputy district attorney to Congress, that a goal without a deadline is a dream. And Californians when it comes to housing and affordability are done dreaming. They want more doing. And so, yes, you have to be able to see the optimism in Californians and see our way out and through this president. And so being a fighter protector is table stakes for being able to run. But building on the optimism of a great state that always remakes and reimagines itself, that's the path forward. I could have named my campaign anything, Ben. I named it A New California because we have to write a new California story as it relates to post Trump, but also what we can do on affordability, growth and modernization for the next chapter.

[Podcast Host]

Congressman, where can people learn more about the campaign? Learn more about you. Thank you.

[Eric Swalwell]

Rickswalwell1l in the middle on social and ericswalwell.com and about 38 days to go until voters go to the polls. And we're proud that from Senator Schiff to SEIU to California's firefighters and doctors, we have broad support in this race. And now it's on me. It's my job to make my case across the state and close this thing out and be the one Democrat that gets through so that we can really do the work between June and November, which is building the best team to lead, but also making sure we win the House seats in California that were so critical to what we did last November with Prop 50.

[Podcast Host]

Congressman Swalwell, thanks for joining us.

[Eric Swalwell]

Thanks, man.

[Podcast Host]

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