California Congressman Eric Swalwell has drawn widespread online mockery and ignited a public challenge with Fox News host Greg Gutfeld following a recent TikTok video where he appeared to bench press 135 pounds. The video, intended to project an image of strength and athleticism, quickly went viral in late July 2025, becoming the subject of intense criticism and comedic commentary across social media and conservative news outlets. Swalwell filmed the workout during what he claimed was an early congressional recess forced by Republicans, linking it to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
The video depicted Representative Swalwell lifting what he described as a "massive" 135 lbs, prompting immediate and extensive derision from commentators who noted the relatively light weight for an adult male. Critics on social media, including former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin and nationally syndicated host Jesse Kelly, labeled the attempt as "cringe" and questioned the congressman's perceived athletic prowess. Many pointed out that 135 pounds is often lifted by women or teenagers, undermining Swalwell's apparent effort to project a "tough-guy energy."
Fox News host Greg Gutfeld amplified the criticism on his late-night show, directly mocking Swalwell's performance. Gutfeld quipped that "with a bench press like that, no one will mind if you use the women's locker room," further fueling the online ridicule. This public jab prompted Swalwell to issue a direct challenge to Gutfeld via X (formerly Twitter).
In a high-stakes proposition, Swalwell posted, > "Here’s a deal for @Gutfeldfox. (Never heard of him til he spent 8 mins criticizing what I bench press)🤔 *The deal: if tough guy benches more than me for 10 reps I’ll leave Congress. If not, he leaves Fox News. I’ll give Greg 48 hrs to accept, then I’m calling him GUTLESSfeld 🤝."
Gutfeld, 60, subsequently dismissed the challenge, stating he was "busy lifting other things," such as "America’s spirits, Fox News ratings, and [fellow Fox cohost Dana Perino], so she can reach a doorknob." This exchange highlights a growing trend of political figures engaging in physical challenges on social media, often with significant public and media scrutiny. The incident has also been framed by some as an awkward attempt by Democrats to connect with male voters, which, according to the original tweet, "flopped worse than a bad rom-com."