That Time Eric Swalwell Challenged Ben Shapiro On Controlling Himself Around Women

Disgraced Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA), who is accused of sexual assault and at least one claim of rape, once challenged Daily Wire Editor Emeritus Ben Shapiro to control himself around women.

During a July 2024 House Judiciary Committee hearing, the Bay Area congressman questioned Ben Shapiro about his views on relationships and sexual behavior, citing a 2018 interview between Shapiro and Slate Magazine.

“You did say you think homosexual activity is a sin,” Swalwell said.

“Yes, I am a religious Jew,” Shapiro said. “You found me out.”

Swalwell continued reading off a large printout of a quote from Shapiro, who said, “But the view of all religious people I know has always been that sexual behavior is something that is up to you. I may have a desire to sleep with many women, but I do not.”

“I agree with me,” Shapiro interjected, to which Swalwell responded, “I’m sure it’s very hard to restrain yourself.”

On Tuesday, Shapiro resurfaced the viral clip.

“Well, this certainly hits different,” he said on X. 

“I’m sure it’s very hard to restrain yourself.” — Eric Swalwell

Well, this certainly hits different pic.twitter.com/x0RGfo2MQc

— Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) April 13, 2026

On Capitol Hill, Swalwell also accused federal immigration officers of “terrorizing women.”

“Real men don’t terrorize women,” he said in an interview with Fox News.

Swalwell on Wednesday announced he was resigning from Congress amid multiple allegations ranging from inappropriate behavior to sexually charged messages to at least one claim of rape.

Another Swalwell accuser is set to hold a press conference with her attorneys this morning in Beverly Hills.

Over the weekend, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg launched an investigation into allegations that Swalwell sexually assaulted a former staffer in a New York City hotel room.

Swalwell dropped out of the California governor’s race on Sunday night after Democrats nationwide pulled their endorsements. The Bay Area congressman also faced growing calls to resign his seat in Congress or be expelled from the chamber.

“I am deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgment I’ve made in my past,” Swalwell said in a post announcing his resignation. “I will fight the serious, false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”

pic.twitter.com/JbKgSORgu4

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) April 13, 2026