Gutfeld vs. Swalwell: The Feud That’s Taking Over Late-Night TV and Social Media

In an unexpected twist that has captivated audiences both on television and social media, Fox News host Greg Gutfeld has found himself in a heated exchange with Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) after the congressman challenged him to a weightlifting showdown. What started as a lighthearted roast from Gutfeld quickly spiraled into a viral, no-holds-barred verbal brawl, with both sides unleashing personal jabs, leaving their supporters on the edge of their seats.

The origins of this unlikely feud trace back to a moment on Gutfeld’s popular late-night show, where he mocked a video posted by Swalwell showing the congressman lifting weights at the gym. In the video, Swalwell, known for his legislative work rather than his athletic prowess, showed off what many considered a relatively modest day at the gym. Gutfeld, ever the provocateur, couldn’t resist poking fun at the video, and from there, the battle was born.

Eric Swalwell Challenges Greg Gutfeld to Bench Press Duel—Loser Quits Their  Job - LateNighter

The Challenge: A Weightlifting Showdown That Took a Personal Turn

The conflict first came to a head when Swalwell took to social media to respond to Gutfeld’s mocking commentary. With a mix of bravado and humor, he challenged the Fox News host to a weightlifting contest, specifically a benchpress competition. “Here’s the deal for [Greg Gutfeld],” Swalwell wrote. “If tough guy benches more than me for 10 reps I’ll leave Congress. If not, he leaves Fox News.”

It was a bold challenge, one that could have fizzled out as a simple gym rivalry, but it quickly became a focal point for both men. Instead of backing down or taking the challenge seriously, Gutfeld seized the opportunity to escalate the drama with his signature comedic style, turning the situation into a full-blown roast.

On his show, Gutfeld doubled down on the ridicule, delivering a savage response that left viewers in stitches. “Yes, Swalwell, the only man to ever be out-lifted in the Capitol gym by the groundhog on Maxine Waters’ (D-CA) head,” Gutfeld quipped, setting the tone for the rest of his segment. He continued with a series of biting comments, including a reference to Swalwell’s infamous “honeypot” scandal involving a Chinese spy, which had previously dominated news cycles.

For Gutfeld, the challenge wasn’t just about the bench press—it was a perfect opportunity to make light of Swalwell’s past missteps, including his failed presidential bid, his short-lived moment in the spotlight, and his notorious public speaking gaffes.

“Perhaps it’s all a plan to get me in the gym sauna by himself… So Eric, if you ever want anyone to take you seriously you might try truth instead of being so damn thirsty,” Gutfeld continued, hitting Swalwell for what he perceived as a desperate need for attention. The brutal jabs only added fuel to the fire, creating a storm of reactions across social media and late-night shows.

From Weightlifting to Personal Attacks

What began as a playful dig at Swalwell’s gym abilities quickly spiraled into an all-out personal attack. Gutfeld, not one to shy away from controversy, took aim at the congressman’s character, referencing his infamous “fart heart ’round the world” moment during the first impeachment of President Donald Trump. This viral clip, in which Swalwell was caught on camera breaking wind while defending Trump’s impeachment, became an embarrassing moment that Gutfeld gleefully resurrected.

“Which gets me back to this weightlifting challenge. I’m just not willing to share a gym with a guy who has uncontrollable flatulence,” Gutfeld joked, sending his audience into fits of laughter.

The personal nature of the attacks only intensified as Gutfeld painted Swalwell as a figure of ridicule, highlighting not only his physical shortcomings but also his political missteps. From his failed presidential run to his infamous relationship with a Chinese spy, Gutfeld made it clear that he was not just going after Swalwell’s bench press numbers—he was going after his entire public persona.

How Greg Gutfeld on 'Fox News' Is Beating 'The Tonight Show' - The New York  Times

The Political Stakes: Does This Feud Have Deeper Implications?

At its core, the Gutfeld-Swalwell showdown is more than just a comedic rivalry—it reflects the increasingly polarized and combative nature of American politics. In an age where personal attacks and political theater dominate the public discourse, Gutfeld’s commentary mirrors the broader trend of using humor as a weapon in political debates.

For Swalwell, the exchange has added another layer to his already tumultuous public image. Known for his vocal criticisms of Trump and the Republican Party, Swalwell’s image has often been at odds with the more conservative voices in the media, like Gutfeld. The weightlifting challenge and the subsequent exchange only further entrenched the ideological divide between the two, with each side using humor and ridicule to push their own political narratives.

For Gutfeld, the feud is a chance to continue his rise as a late-night TV powerhouse. His unfiltered, often controversial style has made him a favorite among conservative viewers, but his personal attacks on high-profile figures like Swalwell have made him a lightning rod for criticism. While his fans revel in his ability to skewer political figures with savage humor, his critics accuse him of amplifying divisiveness and undermining serious political discourse.

The Future of the Feud: Will It Continue?

The Gutfeld-Swalwell rivalry shows no signs of letting up. With both men increasingly invested in the back-and-forth, the question becomes: will this playful challenge turn into a full-fledged political battle?

As Gutfeld continues to build his late-night empire, Swalwell may find himself further entangled in the media storm. The political and personal stakes are high for both parties. As the feud continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Gutfeld-Swalwell saga has only just begun, and the political drama is only intensifying.

Conclusion: A Rivalry That’s Captivating the Nation

The Gutfeld-Swalwell feud represents more than just an exchange of barbs between two public figures—it’s a reflection of the current state of American politics, where personal attacks, humor, and political rivalries intersect. For Gutfeld, the late-night host, the challenge is an opportunity to further solidify his place as a dominant voice in the conservative media landscape. For Swalwell, the challenge is more than just a personal confrontation—it’s a political test that could either propel or derail his career.

As the nation watches with bated breath, one thing is certain: this clash of personalities is far from over. Whether it’s about bench pressing, politics, or personal vendettas, the Gutfeld-Swalwell saga is one that promises to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. And in the world of modern media and politics, that’s exactly what keeps us all coming back for more.