Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) said he is challenging Fox News host Greg Gutfeld to a bench press competition on Wednesday, with the loser resigning from his current job.
The Gutfeld! host poked fun at Swalwell on Tuesday for videos the lawmaker uploaded to social media. In one video, Swalwell bench-pressed weights, saying he “should be working right now” and accused House Republicans of sending him and other lawmakers home for the August recess.
Gutfeld said no one would mind if Swalwell “used the women’s locker room” over his strength displayed in the gym video.
Swalwell said on X that he “never heard” of Gutfeld before the host commented on his videos, but he pitched a deal to him.
“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,” Swalwell said on X.
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
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) July 30, 2025
The Washington Examiner contacted Fox News for comment.
STEPHEN COLBERT CONTINUES TO BE BESTED BY GUTFELD AFTER ANNOUNCING CANCELLATION
This is not the first time a lawmaker pitched a fitness challenge.
Knox County, Tennessee Mayor Glen Jacobs, a WWE legend, proposed a wrestling match between himself and Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) in March. On the This is Gavin Newsom podcast, the governor said that his masculinity intimidates supporters of President Donald Trump, and that he could “kick most of their a***.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) said Florida can host the potential match, saying his state has “a lot of great spots and a lot of wrestling fans.”
