A top housing official in President Donald Trump's administration has referred California Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell to the Justice Department for a potential federal criminal probe, NBC News reported. The referral, made by Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, is based on allegations of mortgage and tax fraud related to Swalwell's $1.2 million home in Washington, D.C. According to a person familiar with the matter, Swalwell allegedly made false or misleading statements in his loan documents, allowing him to secure millions of dollars in loans and refinancing by declaring the home as his primary residence.

Swalwell, known as one of President Trump's most vocal critics, is the fourth Democratic official to face such allegations in recent months. Swalwell expressed surprise at the timing of the referral, given his ongoing lawsuit against Trump. He stated, "The only thing I am surprised about is that it took him this long to come after me."

The referral calls for an investigation into possible mortgage fraud, state and local tax fraud, and insurance fraud. The Justice Department has not yet commented on the referral. Swalwell has vowed to continue his legal actions against Trump and to speak out for Californians, citing a quote from Mark Twain: "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it."

This move comes amid a series of similar referrals by Pulte, targeting other Democratic figures like New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senator Adam Schiff. All have denied wrongdoing.

Pulte has defended his actions, stating, "It doesn't matter whether you're Fed governor Cook or Joe Blow on the street, if you commit mortgage fraud, we are going to report it."

The referral has also been sent to the Federal Housing Finance Agency's acting inspector general for further investigation.

The WHO Morning News with Jeff Angelo