Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., a candidate for California governor, took at least six trips to Doha backed by Qatar-linked sponsors from 2020 through 2024, according to House of Representatives filings reviewed by Fox News Digital. The disclosures show the congressman returned to Qatar repeatedly over multiple years, including a $84,000 trip in 2021 that previously drew criticism.
The trips were sponsored by either the Embassy of Qatar or the U.S.-Qatar Business Council. In addition to the 2021 trip, Swalwell traveled to Doha in 2020, twice in 2022, once in 2023 and once in 2024. At the time of the 2021 trip, Swalwell served on the House Intelligence Committee, which oversees sensitive national security matters.
What the Right Is Saying
Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and one of Swalwell's Republican rivals in the California gubernatorial race, criticized the travel pattern. "It's corrupt. You shouldn't be bought by foreign governments," Hilton said. "We are sick of all these corrupt career politicians being bribed by foreign governments. They're supposed to be representing us, not other countries."
Critics have questioned whether the trips present an ethical conflict, particularly given Swalwell's position on the House Intelligence Committee at the time. Business Insider noted in 2021 that such privately funded trips are different from congressional delegations paid for by the U.S. government and represent an "ethical gray area" that can offer powerful interests a chance to influence lawmakers.
The controversy follows other scrutiny surrounding Swalwell's international contacts. In February, reports emerged that his gubernatorial campaign continued receiving tens of thousands of dollars in donations from lawyer Keliang "Clay" Zhu, despite concerns over his connection to a law firm with alleged Chinese Communist Party ties.
What the Left Is Saying
Qatar's Embassy in Washington defended congressional visits to Doha as a routine diplomatic practice that occurs across administrations and political parties. Ali Al-Ansari, media attache at the Embassy of Qatar, said such visits are part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and provide opportunities for policymakers to engage directly with counterparts in the region.
"All travel is conducted in full compliance with applicable U.S. laws and disclosure requirements, and is transparently reported," Al-Ansari stated. The embassy emphasized that these exchanges include meetings, briefings and cultural activities reflecting the importance of the U.S.-Qatar relationship.
Supporters of Swalwell note that congressional travel to allied nations is a standard practice for lawmakers seeking to understand international issues. The 2021 trip included briefings on the FIFA World Cup that was held in Qatar in 2022, as well as meetings with the Qatari ambassador to the United States and discussions about business opportunities between Qatar and the U.S.
What the Numbers Show
House filings document at least six Qatar-sponsored trips between 2020 and 2024. The 2021 trip was valued at approximately $84,000 and included a group of lawmakers: Swalwell, Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., and three other legislators. The trip included a camel excursion along the Persian Gulf near the Four Seasons hotel in Doha.
The trips received approval from the House Ethics Committee as required, though Business Insider reported that disclosure documents did not indicate when they were posted and it appeared Swalwell's disclosure may have missed the proper reporting deadline. Qatar has faced ongoing scrutiny over its alleged ties to Hamas.
Swalwell's office did not respond to requests for comment on the travel disclosures. The congressman has not publicly addressed the specific criticism regarding his Qatar trips.
The Bottom Line
The repeated foreign-sponsored travel by a sitting congressman now seeking statewide office raises questions about the intersection of diplomatic engagement and ethical oversight. While Qatar's embassy frames such visits as standard diplomatic practice, critics argue the pattern of travel, combined with other foreign policy controversies, warrants closer scrutiny. California voters will decide in the upcoming gubernatorial race whether these issues factor into their choice of candidates.