Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) has drawn criticism from conservatives on social media for a video he posted to X on Sunday, which shows him bench pressing while delivering political commentary.
In the clip, Swalwell lifts what appears to be 135 pounds while criticizing congressional Republicans. The amount of weight became a focal point for many online critics. Fox News contributor Joe Concha remarked, “This is basically what a freshman football player can easily do 15 reps of.”
The video was posted in response to congressional leaders beginning the August recess early. Swalwell suggested the timing was a political maneuver. “I should be working right now,” he said in the video. “Instead, Republicans sent us home because they would rather stand up for Donald Trump, than release the Epstein files and stand up for victims.” He added that Congress could have been in Washington “lowering your healthcare costs, lowering your grocery costs, and restoring your rights.”
Swalwell’s reference to the Epstein files relates to recent pressure on the Trump administration to release more information about the deceased financier’s sex-trafficking network. After the Department of Justice stated no more major details would be released, President Trump ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to release all “pertinent” information.
Conservative commentator Paul Szypula called Swalwell’s video “cringe” and noted he was “winded half-way through a set of light bench presses.” Similarly, podcaster Eric Matheny questioned the display, asking, “What is up with these phony attempts of masculinity?”
The video also prompted a response from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who shared a clip from her own gym. “I just want Eric Swalwell to bench more than 135#,” she wrote, adding, “Congress is always out of session in August no matter who is in charge.” Greene also challenged the Democratic stance on the Epstein case, questioning why they did not prioritize releasing the files during the previous four years.
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