Rep. Swalwell hosts town hall blasting Trump administration, hearing voter concerns

HAYWARD, Calif. (KGO) -- The tension and conflict between California and the Trump administration has the full attention of East Bay Congressman Eric Swalwell.

"There's no sugar coating the damage that's being done right now," said Rep. Swalwell.

Congressman Eric Swalwell took the stage in Hayward Tuesday night for a town hall meeting.

Swalwell blasted the Trump administration during his remarks, and highlighted California's role in pushing back against the president's agenda.

MORE: Pres. Trump threatens to send National Guard to Oakland: Here's how city leaders are responding

The congressman says the actions taken by Governor Newsom and others in the state are exactly what Democratic voters want to see.

"They're looking for do you understand that this is an existential crisis to our democracy, and are you willing to do everything possible to fight it and make sure it does not define who we are as a country," Swalwell said.

Throughout the town hall, voters asking Swalwell a range of questions - with everything from tariffs, to the war in Gaza, to the crackdown in immigration being discussed.

"I worry about human beings being taken out of their homes like in dictatorship countries. I just don't like anybody that's being mistreated," said town hall attendee June Hart.

Many of the voters we spoke with tell us they're frustrated with the direction of the country.

MORE: Justice Dept. lists SF as city that 'violates' immigration laws; city attorney not fazed

"Very much so. Very much so. It is going back to stories that I heard from my mother and my grandmother," said voter Jaquita Marengo Angelino.

Swalwell says he understands those voters' concerns.

That's why he's encouraging folks to take peaceful action over the coming months and to turn out to vote in next year's midterm elections.

"Give us momentum and confidence as people go to the streets in the No Kings rally and the Labor Day rally that's coming up, that that working and organizing and mobilizing will lead us to a big ballot box win next November," said Swalwell.

While they don't have a concrete date as of now, Swalwell's team says they hope to host another town hall within the next quarter or two.