Billionaire businessman Stephen Cloobeck torched his relationship with embattled Congressman Eric Swalwell, kicking him out of his luxury mansion just hours before the California Democrat abandoned his bid for governor.
“I am no longer supporting Eric,” Cloobeck declared in a blunt interview. “F—ing tell everyone I’m a libertarian. F— you, Democrat Party. I’m a libertarian now.”
The explosive break comes as Swalwell’s career spirals under the weight of serious allegations. Multiple women have accused the Bay Area lawmaker of rape, sexual assault, and misconduct—claims that have triggered a cascade of political consequences, including lost endorsements, a potential congressional expulsion, and a criminal probe.
Cloobeck, who had poured more than $1 million into boosting Swalwell’s political ambitions, even allowed the congressman to film a public denial video from inside his opulent Beverly Hills estate. But that generosity has now come to a screeching halt.
Confirming the split, Cloobeck said Swalwell is no longer welcome under his roof—a sprawling 9,700-square-foot mansion he proudly described as his “dream home.”
“I have a lot of people who stay at my house,” he said with a laugh. “I built a gorgeous place, my dream home, I relish it, and I’m a very generous man. I’m very thoughtful and I’m very kind.”
Now, he’s considering legal options to recover the massive financial support he funneled into an independent committee backing Swalwell.
The fallout is particularly striking given how recently Cloobeck had championed the congressman. Just weeks ago, he referred to Swalwell as his “little brother” and brushed aside rumors of inappropriate behavior involving female staff and interns.
But the tide has turned fast.
“I don’t know where these facts are going to end up — you hear or read all this stuff,” Cloobeck said, signaling uncertainty but clear discomfort with the mounting accusations.
Pressed on whether he felt misled, he added: “I’m gonna have to investigate that. I don’t know the answer to that.”
The controversy has also shined a spotlight on the billionaire donor himself, who rose to wider fame through a gubernatorial run and appearances on “Undercover Boss.” Beyond opening his home, Cloobeck had also maxed out campaign donations and reportedly gifted Swalwell a lavish $31,000 trip to France.
Meanwhile, he didn’t hold back when taking aim at fellow billionaire and progressive figure Tom Steyer, dismissing his massive campaign spending as “bulls—.”
Despite his long history with the Democratic Party—spanning more than four decades—Cloobeck made it clear he’s walking away for good.
“I’m going to change my god d— party affiliation, because I cannot stand this Democratic Party at all,” he said. “I am done. Finito.”
