Swalwell calls for creation of presidential crimes commission to investigate Trump when he leaves office

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) on Friday suggested that officials create a presidential crimes commission after President Trump leaves office to investigate his actions while serving as commander in chief.

“I don’t say this lightly: when we escape this Trump hell, America needs a Presidential Crimes Commission. It should be made up of independent prosecutors who look at those who enabled a corrupt president. Example 1: Sabotaging the mail to win an election. #SaveThePostOffice,” Swalwell tweeted. 

I don’t say this lightly: when we escape this Trump hell, America needs a Presidential Crimes Commission. It should be made up of independent prosecutors who look at those who enabled a corrupt president. Example 1: Sabotaging the mail to win an election. #SaveThePostOffice

— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) August 14, 2020

Swalwell’s tweet follows the United States Postal Service (USPS) announcing that 46 states are at risk of citizens not having their vote-by-mail ballot arrive in time to be counted in the November election as the agency faces delayed delivery, policy changes and a funding emergency during the coronavirus pandemic. 

As people worry about the health risks posed by voting in person during the pandemic, switching to mail-in-voting and initiatives by states to make it widespread has been a subject of debate. But Trump has cast doubt on the security of vote-by-mail, and has alleged without evidence that it will lead to election fraud. 

Trump’s opposition drew fierce criticism this week, especially from Democrats, when he said he did not want USPS funding in a coronavirus relief deal because it could fund vote-by-mail efforts. 

On Friday, however, Trump appeared to reverse and said he would approve USPS funding in a coronavirus bill if Democrats make other concessions. 

Swalwell has been a vocal critic of Trump and was a key player during the House’s impeachment inquiry into the president.