#47 is squeezing the Mullahs dry, soon the IRGC will be on the dole, out of mullah. Will it work? Will they eventually come to the table or are they waiting for the Don to blink? The way we see it from the front is sooner or later Iran will have no choice but to come to Daddy. Their realm of the coin is oil. Currently, Iranian oil will no longer be traveling the seven seas if they don’t come to the table. But don’t forget these desmonic mullahs, they are taking this delay to build out their inventory.

US economic chokehold on Iran reaches peak leverage as collapse risks emerge

Miad Maleki estimates current conditions are costing Iran $435M a day in combined economic damage

 By Efrat Lachter Fox News

Published April 24, 2026 6:00am EDT

By Efrat Lachter Fox News

U.S. economic pressure on Iran has reached one of its most powerful points in decades, but inconsistent enforcement has prevented sanctions from achieving their full impact, according to a former Treasury sanctions expert.

Miad Maleki, who played a central role in Treasury Department sanctions campaigns against Iran and its network of proxy groups, said in an on-camera interview the current moment reflects a rare convergence of economic, political and diplomatic leverage against Tehran.

“We’ve never had the level of leverage that we have today with Iran in the history of our conflict … since 1979,” Maleki said. 

His assessment comes as President Donald Trump signaled escalating pressure Thursday, writing on Truth Social that the United States has “total control over the Strait of Hormuz” and that it is effectively “sealed up tight” until Iran agrees to a deal.

IRAN PRESIDENT VOWS DEFIANCE AS PROTESTS BUILD AGAINST REGIME AMID US MILITARY BUILD UP

Maleki argues the current moment marks a turning point because multiple pressure tools — sanctions, a U.S. naval blockade, and tighter enforcement — are being applied simultaneously for the first time in years. Unlike previous cycles, he said, the strategy is now directly targeting Iran’s oil exports and the networks that help move them, raising the risk of a rapid economic squeeze.

He said Iran may run out of oil storage in as little as two to three weeks, forcing production cuts, while gasoline shortages could hit on a similar timeline due to heavy reliance on imports. Combined with an estimated $435 million in daily economic losses, the pressure could spill into the financial system, leaving the regime struggling to pay salaries and raising the risk of renewed unrest.

An oil tanker is seen near the terminal at Kharg Island, Iran, as U.S. officials and analysts consider whether seizing the island could significantly impact Iran’s oil exports. (Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg)

Maleki said the real leverage lies in sustained economic pressure and enforcement.

At the core of that pressure is an Iranian economy he describes as “on the verge of collapse,” driven by years of sanctions and compounded by recent disruptions.

He pointed to triple-digit food inflation, a sharply devalued currency and a roughly 90% collapse in purchasing power, along with potential long-term oil revenue losses of up to $14 billion annually.

Maleki, who is currently a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, estimated that current conditions are costing Iran “about $435 million a day in combined economic damage … with the blockade and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.”

A key driver of that pressure is the Strait of Hormuz, long viewed as one of Iran’s primary tools of leverage in global energy markets. Maleki said the dynamic has shifted.

IRAN IS ‘TRYING TO GIVE THE GLOBAL ECONOMY A HEART ATTACK’ BY CLOSING STRAIT OF HORMUZ, UAE MINISTER SAYS

Former President Donald Trump weighs a potential attack on Iran’s oil hub at Kharg Island amid expert predictions of market chaos. (Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto)

“Iran’s economy relies on the Strait of Hormuz more than any other economy,” he said, calling its closure a form of “economic self-sabotage.”

While countries in Asia — including Japan, South Korea, India and China — are most exposed to disruptions, many have built up reserves. “Japan’s oil reserve is pretty significant. Same with China,” Maleki said.

Still, the region remains heavily dependent on the waterway, with roughly 75% of liquefied natural gas supplies for countries including India, China and South Korea flowing through the strait.

Inside Iran, however, vulnerabilities are more immediate. Despite vast oil reserves, the country imports between 30 million to 60 million liters of gasoline per day to cover a domestic shortfall of up to 35 million liters.

“If they run out of gasoline… they’re going to have a major crisis domestically,” Maleki said, noting that past shortages and price hikes have triggered widespread protests.

NUCLEAR EXPERTS WARN IRAN’S URANIUM ‘RIGHT’ IS A MYTH, SAY TRUMP IS RIGHT TO HOLD FIRM

The economic pressure is being reinforced by a U.S. naval blockade targeting Iran’s oil exports, the regime’s primary source of revenue.

A billboard showing a portrait of the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes, looms over an empty square in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, March 5, 2026. (Vahid Salemi/AP Photo)

A senior administration official said the Treasury Department is intensifying enforcement under what it describes as an “Economic Fury” campaign, using financial and maritime tools in tandem to squeeze Iran’s revenue streams.

The official said the strategy focuses on “systematically degrading Iran’s ability to generate, move, and repatriate funds,” including by constraining maritime trade through the naval blockade, which targets Iran’s primary source of revenue from oil exports.

Financial pressure is also expanding globally. The official said Treasury has warned banks in China, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates and Oman that facilitating Iranian trade could expose them to secondary sanctions, signaling a more aggressive approach to enforcement beyond Iran’s borders.

Treasury has issued sanctions on more than 1,000 targets since 2025 under the current maximum pressure campaign, the official said, aimed at disrupting Iran’s oil trade and financial networks.

The official added that Iran is facing immediate logistical constraints, warning that storage capacity at Kharg Island — the country’s main oil export terminal — could be filled within days if exports remain blocked, potentially forcing production shut-ins.

“Treasury will continue to freeze the funds stolen by the corrupt leadership on behalf of the people of Iran,” the official warned.

A new analysis from United Against Nuclear Iran said the blockade is already deterring high-value shipments, even as some Iran-linked vessels continue to transit the region.

TRUMP CLAIMS IRAN ‘STARVING FOR CASH,’ ‘COLLAPSING FINANCIALLY’ AFTER EXTENDING CEASEFIRE

Iran seized two oil tankers Thursday while former Iranian minister Ezzatollah Zarghami threatened to make the Strait of Hormuz a “massacre and hell” for U.S. forces. (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP)

“Effectiveness should not be measured by the total number of Iran-linked vessels at sea,” the group said in an April 22 statement. “But by whether the U.S. is disrupting high-value Iranian oil exports… and deterring large-scale illicit shipments.”

At least 29 vessels have been turned around or forced back to port, including several very large crude carriers, according to the report.

The blockade, announced April 12 and enforced by U.S. Central Command, is designed to cut off Iranian crude exports, particularly shipments to China, while prioritizing high-impact targets.

While sanctions are clearly biting, Maleki said their impact has been limited by inconsistent enforcement across successive U.S. administrations.

U.S. sanctions on Iran have been in place in various forms for years, targeting the country’s oil exports, banking sector and access to global financial systems.

Under the Obama administration, sanctions pressure was partially lifted under the nuclear deal. The first Trump administration reimposed “maximum pressure,” but enforcement ramped up gradually and lasted only a limited period. The Biden administration later eased enforcement in pursuit of diplomacy.

He argued that cycles of tightening and relief — including sanctions rollback under the Iran nuclear deal and pauses in enforcement — have allowed Tehran to adapt.

“What’s different now,” Maleki said, is the combination of sustained sanctions with real-time enforcement measures that directly restrict Iran’s ability to export oil — a step that was largely absent in earlier phases.

To maximize pressure, Maleki said Washington must sustain enforcement, particularly through secondary sanctions targeting foreign banks and companies facilitating Iranian trade.

Crucially, he downplayed the likelihood that outside powers could offset the pressure.

“I don’t have to tell you ‘Jack Shit‘ says Omar, when question on her money. Imagine this fraud going after a reporter who was just doing her job.

ILHAN OMAR EXPLODES AT REPORTER OVER $30 MILLION FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE “MISTAKE” — “I DON’T HAVE TO TELL YOU JACK SHIT!”

Ilhan Omar just had a total meltdown when confronted about revising her financial disclosure from $30 million down to just $100,000.

When asked about the massive discrepancy, Omar snapped: “I think you’re STUPID for asking me ANYTHING! I don’t have to tell you JACK SHIT!”

She tried claiming she already explained it to the American people, but when pressed to explain it on camera she completely lost it and refused to answer.

This is the same congresswoman who has repeatedly been caught in ethics scandals, married her brother, and pledged allegiance to Somalia over the United States. Now she’s raging at basic questions about how her net worth magically vanished by tens of millions of dollars.

Americans deserve answers. Taxpayers are not stupid, and Omar doesn’t get to hide behind “I don’t have to tell you jack shit” while sitting in Congress. HSI and the IRS need to open a full investigation immediately. No more protecting corrupt insiders.

The final countdown began then got reset. The infirmed Ayatollah, disfigured physically, but most of all mentally beat to a pulp. now with a Peg Leg, and a patch over his eye, beside losing his family jewels, spews vile with d mout. However, we must get these facts straight, his country has been beaten to smitherines, next stop are the refuling ports and the hub of, Kharg Island. Our advice to Jambe de Bois (wooden leg), watch your back, Trump is gunning for you.

Trump has given Iran from 3-5 days to get their act together. From the front lines we are under the impression that The Peg Leg is now out of the picture, the IRGC and Basij are running the show. However, we have seen this scenario before, the IRGC zealots are not someone who you can deal with. They are similar to those affected by Trump Derangement Syndrome, these guys are infected with “death to America, death to Israel syndrome.” Their mantra goes back to 650 c.e. Their ultimate goal is a takeover of the world, converting it to Sharia law.

To win this war, #47 must use all resources available to our armed services. He must unleash a bombing campaign devastating not only their terrorist infrastructure but target the IRGC Bigwigs; they must be killed. Once all of them are gone, and this might take some time due to the fact they are in disarray, scattered throuout Iran and some have even fled the country. Then maybe we will have Peace in our time.

By now you have read about it, learned about it form the Lering Center realizing that a blind eye was turned to the Somali community theft of $19 Billion large. The original legislation, Feeding Our Future, was introduced by a lying criminal by the name of Omar, bought of by a truck load of Benjamins.

Somalis began arriving in Minnesota from states with less Bennies as the word got out that the benefits were two to four times the other 49. In all, the Somali population topped 100,000. Imagine going from 85 degrees to 20 Below in winter? Must be shocking, but for the money, why not.

But don’t forget, these scammers joined ISIS, then came back to collect the bennies. You can’t imagine the fraud perpetrated on the U.S. But to them, these criminals had no morals. They were out for the money which was then sent to there relatives living in Somalia. Billions were sent. And don’t forget the Lering center where the fleecing took place under the very eyes of Ellison and Waltz. In fact they sanctioned the thievery because by doing so the Somali community voted them in, time and time again.

Americans want to see Ellison, Omar and Walz pay for their crimes. These criminals participated, were involved, knew what was happening, were complicit, turned a blind eye and were rewarded for not calling out the criminal Somali element. Time to pay.

Florida Democrat Resigns From Congress Just Before Panel Weighs Expelling Her

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick stands accused of stealing $5 million in federal funds. She said she would step down minutes before an ethics panel was to vote on whether to recommend expelling her.

By Annie Karni and Soumya Karlamangla

Annie Karni, who covers Congress, reported from Washington and Soumya Karlamanga from San Francisco.

April 21, 2026 See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Times on Google 

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the Florida Democrat charged with embezzling $5 million in federal disaster aid and using it for her campaign, announced her resignation from Congress on Tuesday, just minutes before the House Ethics Committee had been set to vote on whether to recommend that the House expel her.

Ms. Cherfilus-McCormick, 47, was indicted in November on charges of stealing Federal Emergency Management Agency money and funneling some of it to her 2021 congressional campaign. The ethics panel had been investigating the matter for more than two years, reviewing tens of thousands of documents related to accusations that the Republican chairman, Representative Michael Guest of Mississippi, described on Tuesday as “extremely serious and extremely complicated.”

The committee, which last month found Ms. Cherfilus-McCormick guilty of 25 violations including campaign finance infractions and false financial disclosures, had been preparing to vote on whether to recommend a sentence of expulsion to the full House. Such a penalty, which requires a two-thirds majority vote to oust a colleague, is an extremely rare occurrence that has happened only six times in the history of the chamber.

Instead, Ms. Cherfilus-McCormick pre-empted the action, issuing a fiery statement that said she was resigning, about 20 minutes before the panel had been set to meet. When the committee convened, her brief official resignation letter was read into the record and the session was abruptly adjourned because the committee no longer had jurisdiction.

We have spoken about this POS multiple of times, but now he has gone over the top by lying through his teeth. He is afflicted to the Nth degree with Trump derangement Syndrome.

Problem with Murphy is he believes that he is a legend in his own mind. However, the people in Connecticut will wash his face with the filth coming form d’mount. In fact he has become a laughting joke in Connecticut and the Senate. Even the unions that voted him in hate dispise him.

‘Traitor’ Dem senator ripped after one-word reaction appears to cheer on Iran

Mike Davis called on the Senate to vote to censure Murphy, saying he was ‘cheering for America’s enemy during war’

 By Ashley J. DiMella , Robert McGreevy , Dan Scully Fox News

Democratic Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy is under fire after a one-word social media post fueled accusations he was a “traitor” cheering against the United States amid the war in Iran.

“Awesome,” Murphy wrote on X in response to a post reporting that 26 ships in Iran’s shadow fleet have made it past the US blockade in the Gulf of Oman.

Murphy’s post adds to his long-running criticism of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and revived scrutiny over his past posture toward Iran, giving critics fresh ammunition to cast the Connecticut Democrat as hostile to U.S. interests.

Social media commenters unleashed on Murphy for the message, with some asking if his account was “hacked” and others accusing him of cheering on Iran. 

SCHUMER BLASTED TRUMP FOR FAILING TO OUST MADURO — NOW WARNS ARREST COULD LEAD TO ‘ENDLESS WAR’

Sen. Chris Murphy speaks during the Concordia Annual Summit on Sept. 24, 2025, in New York City. (Riccardo Savi/Getty Images)

“It takes an insane level of Trump Derangement Syndrome to cheer for a terrorist regime that chants ‘Death to America,'” White House Spokesperson Olivia Wales told Fox News Digital.

“Chris Murphy is an America-last, radical left lunatic who stands for illegal aliens and Iranian terrorists over the American people. The only thing ‘awesome’ will be when he is out of office,” Wales added.

DOUG SCHOEN: AS A DEMOCRAT, I BACK TRUMP’S IRAN STRIKE — MY PARTY IS WRONG

Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst notably told “Fox & Friends” on Tuesday morning that there is “no evidence” that Iranian shadow fleet vessels, ships used to evade international sanctions, have made it through the U.S. blockade.

“The tweet was sarcasm,”  a spokesperson for Murphy’s office told Fox News Digital in a statement later on Tuesday morning. “Chris obviously thinks it’s terrible that Donald Trump continues to mishandle every aspect of a war he started but clearly has no strategy to end.”

Everything this Mother Fkcr says is a lie. He is so fkcn dumb that he didn’t realize that the Iranians would smoke the U.S. if #47 wasn’t our President. In fact the Somali criminals stole upwards of 19 billion dollars from the the government under his watch. Why isn’t Walz and Ellison in jail. The charge, collaborating with the enemy, accessory to grand theft and murder. These crimes can’t be denied.

Walz rips Trump and Vance in Europe, says ‘feeble-minded, trigger-happy president’ has no exit plan for Iran

Minnesota Gov Tim Walz spoke at the inaugural Global Progressive Mobilization conference in Barcelona

By Greg Norman-Diamond Fox News

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz slammed President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance at a conference for progressives in Spain on Saturday, accusing Trump of being a “feeble-minded, trigger-happy president” who has “no exit plan” for the ongoing conflict with Iran. 

Walz delivered the criticism after a crowd at the inaugural Global Progressive Mobilization event in Barcelona heard video messages from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani about affordability and from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., about the “illegal and dangerous wars being waged by Netanyahu and Trump in Iran and Lebanon.” 

“We’ve got a feeble-minded, trigger-happy president who plunged us into a war where no threat was present, with no clear objectives and no exit plan. We need to call that what it is. That’s fascism. Or at least it’s fascist curious as they would be,” Walz said.  

“Look, it’d be easy to stand up here and just bash Donald Trump. He’s an easy target. And if you know me, we don’t get along very well,” Walz added. “But we’ve got a lot of bigger fish and bigger problems to fry in this room, because the truth is, authoritarianism is not just confined to the United States. It’s everywhere.”

JD VANCE TELLS POPE LEO XIV TO ‘STICK TO MATTERS OF MORALITY’ AND STAY OUT OF US PUBLIC POLICY

Gov. Tim Walz gestures while speaking at the Global Progressive Mobilization conference in Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Nacho Doce/Reuters)

Walz also said, “Many of you might know me as the guy who isn’t currently the vice president of the United States, and all I have to say about that is I’m very sorry about that. 

“But unlike our current vice president, I’m not here to arrogantly lecture or scold you. I’m not here to pick up a fight with the Pope, and I’m not here to host a rally for some local wannabe dictator. Instead, I’m here to say thank you and to share some thoughts on what we can do to be part of a progressive movement that moves all of our countries forward.” 

Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for a response.

GOV. TIM WALZ SAYS HE’D ‘BEAT THE S— OUT OF’ JD VANCE IN A DEBATE REMATCH

Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 19, 2026. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Walz told the crowd at one point in his speech, “Please don’t give up on the American people.” 

“Go ahead and give up and condemn that monstrosity that sits in our White House,” he added in reference to Trump. “Keep the pressure on. Keep calling it out. Keep standing up to it. Keep naming it. But know there are more good people that stand on the right side of history. There are more good people that care about equality, that understand it’s not America First, it’s humanity first. It’s all of us together.” 

The two-day Global Progressive Mobilization conference described itself on its website as a “necessary alternative to conservative and far-right forces.” 

Prior to Walz’s remarks, Trump took to Truth Social to criticize Spain.

“Has anybody looked at how badly the country of Spain is doing. Their financial numbers, despite contributing almost nothing to NATO and their military defense, are absolutely horrendous. Sad to watch!!!” Trump wrote Saturday. 

Pope Leo XIV and Vice President JD Vance (Getty Images)

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Begoña Gómez, the wife of liberal Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, also was formally charged this week with corruption after a years-long probe into charges she and her husband deny, according to Deutsche Welle. 

Greg Norman is a reporter at Fox News Digital.

Spain, a villain from centuries ago is now embracing socialism, anti-US ism and capitalism to boot. Spanish history is sewn with murder, killing, plunder and thef. This philosophy still exists in their mindset today. Before Spain decided to loot the New World of its riches, the lands of Central and South America belonged to the Aztecs, Incas, Myans and other indigenous peoples. But all that changed in the 16th Century as the Conquistadors moved south from Mexico and Central America to the land of the Inca (Ecuador, Peru, Chile). Spain’s conquest was led by Francisco Pizzaro whose appetite was without limits. The domination of what was to be known as Latin America began. 

Hernán Cortés, 1st Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca^[a] (c. 1485 – 2 December 1547) was a Spanish conquistador, military commander, explorer, captain general, and writer who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of what is now mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century. Cortés was part of the generation of Spanish explorers and conquistadors who began the first phase of the Spanish colonization of the Americas.

It is important to note that the Spanish were well hardened having defeated the Moors – they held firm from challenges from neighboring countries. And they had weapons, so crude, that to pull the trigger of a rifle was more of shock to the holder than a sure shot. But the Spanish had the sword a killing machine all by itself waiting to take its toll on the Inca. Also on their side, the Spanish had the holy “Book.”

Today, not many reflect on Spain’s recent history, especially the Spanish Civil was which pitted Franco agains the freely elected government. The Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) was a brutal conflict initiated by General Francisco Franco and a Nationalist coalition against the democratically elected Second Spanish Republic. Franco’s forces, supported by Nazi Germany and Italy, won the war. However, today we have a country that is in disarray, a NATO ally who has turned their back on friends, embracing Iran, Russia, and the Muslim world.

Trump rips Spain’s ‘horrendous’ finances as Pedro Sanchez blocks US military bases

Trump criticizes Spain amid Iran, NATO rift as PM Sanchez faces questions over political motives

Spanish journalist says Sanchez’s confrontation with Trump is ‘purely electoral marketing’ to divert from family probes

By Solly Boussidan Fox News

Published April 19, 2026 9:27am EDT

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain has tried to position himself as the European counterweight to President Donald Trump, but his motives are being questioned by critics.

Sanchez, who is hosting a conference of leftist leaders from around the world in Barcelona this weekend, has rejected increasing Madrid’s NATO spending while positioning Spain against the Trump administration on several key policy issues.

More recently, the Spanish politician has taken a belligerent stand against the U.S. and Israeli military campaign against the Iranian regime, forbidding the U.S. from using its military bases in Spain to refuel aircraft or prepare for military action. He has decried the campaign as illegal while staying quiet on the regime’s murder of thousands of protesters and its increased drive to produce ballistic missiles and acquire nuclear weapons-grade enriched uranium.

In March, Trump said he had asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent “to cut off all dealings with Spain.” Critics charge that Sanchez, already well known for his fervently anti-Israel views, has increased his public pronouncements to take pressure off him due to a series of corruption scandals involving family members, something he and his supporters have denied.

When dealing with criminals it is always necessary to verify before you can trust. For instance if a bank robber says he will give you the loot, it is incombent on you to verify that he is in possession of it. After it is turned over then and only then can you trust the thief. And that goes to Iran. There is no way on earth that President Donald J. Trump should believe a word they say unless verfied first. Take you back ot the day when Neville Chamberlain declared his belief that the deal had secured lasting peace. He was speaking to the deal he made with Germany. You know how that went down?

Now, today, we are facing another Autocratic institution where the IIRGC is imbedded in power. Notwithstanding the fact that the Supreme Leader is mangled to disbelief that he is a no show. beside that he lost a leg in the incident that took down his bellicose father. This gimp is now subervient to the Guard. As it stands today, the United States is playing a guessing game. Tomorrow we will meet in Pakistan to settle our score or will we. The question will Iran go down to the knee? Only they can answer that pertinent question.

The two holier than thou dropped out – no longer representatives.

Opinion 

editorial

Eric Swalwell rape allegations are only the tip of this Democrat-media scandal

By 

Post Editorial Board

Published April 13, 2026, 7:02 p.m. ET

California Democrat Eric Swalwell announced he is resigning from Congress and suspending his gubernatorial campaign over sexual assault allegations.REUTERS/Manuel Orbegozo/File Photo

Rep. Eric Swalwell finally quit Congress on Monday amid accusations of rape and sexual abuses, but the larger scandal is how long he got away with it.

Fellow Democrats kept mum for years, though his sleazy behavior toward women has reportedly been long known; nor did the left-leaning media in California or Washington investigate the rumors — even after he notoriously fell for a Chinese “honeypot” agent.

Dems plainly only turned on Swalwell in a bid to thin the field in California’s governor race, where two Republicans now lead the nonpartisan “jungle” primary and so might lock out the donkeys in the November runoff.

Embattled GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales announces he’s stepping down from Congress

By

Sarah Ferris

Embattled Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales announced Monday that he would step down from Congress, just days before he faced the possibility of a high-stakes vote that could have made him the seventh member to ever be expelled from the House.

The Texas Republican said he planned to “file my retirement from office” on Tuesday, which GOP leadership sources confirmed to CNN meant that he would resign. Gonzales had been under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for having a relationship with a former senior aide in his congressional office.

It was not immediately clear when the resignation would take effect. Gonzales and Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell have both been under fierce pressure by their House colleagues to resign after allegations that they had sexual relationships with people who had worked for them. Swalwell announced his own resignation minutes before Gonzales.

Those two resignations in quick succession Monday night amounted to a stunning flurry of accountability, and a sudden turn in a months-long saga for the Texas Republican. Though Gonzales had faced calls from his own party leadership to abandon his reelection bid, he had until Monday been able to remain in his job.