Eric Swalwell Shares Workout Videos, Faces Public Talk

Representative Eric Swalwell recently shared videos of himself working out. The posts were made while Congress was taking a break. Some people have talked about the videos and the timing of when they were shared.
By Newsroom | Politics, United States |

Representative Eric Swalwell has become the subject of public discussion following the resurfacing of social media videos. These videos, showing him engaged in exercise, have drawn varied reactions, including criticism from political opponents. The timing of these posts, coinciding with a congressional recess and his own voting record, has also become a point of contention.

Background and Timeline of Events

In late July 2025, Representative Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., posted videos on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), showcasing him engaged in physical activity, such as bench pressing. These posts coincided with a scheduled congressional recess.

  • July 28, 2025: Several outlets reported on Swalwell's social media activity. Videos emerged of him bench pressing approximately 135 pounds and appearing to exert himself.

  • July 29, 2025: Further reports and commentary on the videos appeared, with some sources framing the attempt as an effort to appear relatable or athletic.

  • July 30, 2025: Media coverage continued, with some news programs discussing the videos and public reactions.

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During this period, Congress was observing its annual August recess, a scheduled break. Critics have also raised questions regarding Swalwell's attendance record for House votes.

Evidence of Social Media Activity and Public Reaction

Multiple reports detail the social media posts made by Representative Eric Swalwell. The content and subsequent reactions have been widely documented.

  • Video Content: Videos showed Swalwell bench pressing what was reported to be 135 pounds. In some instances, he appeared to be speaking during the exercise.

  • The amount of weight lifted and the perceived effort have been focal points of criticism.

  • Platform: The primary platform for these videos was X.

  • Public Commentary: Social media users and political commentators, particularly those with opposing political viewpoints, reacted to the videos.

  • Common descriptions of the reactions include "ripped," "mocked," "dragged into oblivion," "embarrassed," and "humiliated."

  • Specific criticisms focused on the perceived low weight lifted for a man of his age and physique, and the choice to post such content during a recess.

  • Political Context: The videos have been framed within the context of political messaging and election cycles. Some reports suggest the posts were intended to convey a message about congressional work or Republican actions.

Analysis of Political Messaging and Recess Timing

The social media activity by Representative Swalwell has been interpreted in various ways, with a central theme being its perceived alignment with political strategy and the timing during a congressional recess.

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Framing of Congressional Work

Some reporting suggests Swalwell's videos were intended to draw a contrast with Republican actions regarding congressional scheduling.

  • Accusations of Inaction: Reports indicate Swalwell's posts implied that Republicans were responsible for sending Congress home for recess, possibly suggesting they were not focused on pressing issues.

  • One user's comment cited in a report stated, "Republicans sent us home because they would rather stand up for Donald Trump than release the Epstein files and stand up for victims.”

  • Counter-Arguments: Other voices have questioned the effectiveness of this messaging, suggesting that focusing on personal exercise videos while Congress is in recess does not address substantive policy concerns.

  • The argument has been made that "Swalwell at the gym ‘pumping iron’ won’t help."

Perceived Attempt at Relatability and Athleticism

A significant portion of the commentary has centered on Swalwell's apparent intention to present himself as relatable and physically fit.

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  • "Relatable" Content: Some analyses suggest the videos were an attempt to connect with a younger demographic or project an image of a hardworking individual, even during a break.

  • Focus on Weight: The specific weight of 135 pounds in the bench press has been a recurring point of mockery. Critics have argued that this amount is not indicative of significant strength for an adult male and that the exertion shown was disproportionate to the weight.

  • Comments have described the lift as "incredibly cringe" and noted that he appeared "winded."

  • Social Media Strategy: The posts have been viewed by some as a misstep in social media strategy, potentially backfiring and generating negative attention rather than the intended positive engagement.

Questions Regarding Voting Record

Concurrent with the discussions about his social media posts, Swalwell's voting record has also come under scrutiny.

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  • Missed Votes: Reports have linked the social media activity to his attendance at congressional sessions.

  • This connection is framed as a point of criticism from his political rivals.

  • Legislative Priorities: The juxtaposition of his exercise videos with his presence (or absence) in Washington D.C. raises questions about his perceived legislative priorities.

  • Did the videos signify a focus on personal image over legislative duties?

Expert Analysis and Commentary

Commentators and media figures have offered varied perspectives on Representative Swalwell's social media activity.

  • Conservative Media Reactions: Outlets like Fox News, RedState, and LifeZette have extensively covered the story, generally framing Swalwell's posts negatively.

  • Greg Gutfeld, in discussions reported by Fox News, characterized Swalwell's attempts to look athletic on social media as a subject for critique.

  • Political Opponent Perspectives: Figures from the Republican party have used the videos to criticize Swalwell.

  • Marjorie Taylor Greene reportedly shared a video in response, suggesting Swalwell should lift more weight.

  • Vice President JD Vance has been cited in relation to discussions on political accountability, though not directly on Swalwell's videos, in one report.

  • Framing of Democratic Strategy: One report suggests that "several Democrats joining in with their own workout-themed videos" might indicate a coordinated strategy, with Mike Lawler (R-NY) cited as an example of a Republican who has used similar video formats to address constituent issues.

Conclusion and Implications

Representative Eric Swalwell's recent social media activity, specifically videos of him bench pressing, has generated considerable public and political commentary. The resurfacing of these posts during a congressional recess has amplified scrutiny, particularly concerning the perceived intent behind the content and its relation to his legislative duties.

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  • Public Perception: The widespread mockery suggests that the posts did not achieve their intended effect of projecting relatability or strength, and instead attracted criticism regarding the perceived quality of the content and its timing.

  • Political Ramifications: The criticism from political opponents highlights the sensitive nature of public figures' social media use and the potential for such content to be weaponized in political discourse. The association with a missed voting record further complicates the narrative.

  • Next Steps: It remains to be seen how this episode will influence public perception of Representative Swalwell and his political standing moving forward. The focus on his social media strategy and legislative engagement is likely to persist as the political landscape evolves.

Used Sources & Context:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Eric Swalwell post on social media?
He posted videos of himself doing exercises, like lifting weights.
Q: When did he post these videos?
He posted them in late July 2025, during a time when Congress was on a scheduled break.
Q: How did people react?
Some people talked about the videos and questioned why he posted them then. Others made fun of the amount of weight he was lifting.