Arizona’s junior Senator, Ruben Gallego, is now facing scrutiny over his conduct during an official visit to Bogotá, Colombia, last summer. Sources have revealed that Gallego, who is known to be a close friend of the disgraced former Congressman Eric Swalwell, made some questionable decisions that have sparked concern among U.S. officials.
During his time in Colombia, Gallego, alongside Ohio’s Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, was there to engage in discussions about bilateral relations, crime, business, and the influence of China, according to a press release from his office. Despite the official nature of the trip, Gallego’s actions outside of these discussions have come under the spotlight.
It has been reported that Gallego extended an invitation to embassy staff to join him for a night out at a local nightclub, despite being warned of a credible threat to his safety. This behavior was noted by a female embassy staffer who reported to the State Department that she was asked to join him; however, there are no claims of any inappropriate behavior on Gallego’s part. Notably, Senator Moreno opted not to attend the dinner or the nightclub outing.
As the trip drew to a close, embassy staff received a report of a credible threat and promptly informed Gallego’s security team. Despite being made aware of this threat while at dinner, Gallego decided to continue his evening, eventually making his way to a nightclub where he stayed until 3 a.m., according to sources.
In response to the reports, a spokesperson for Gallego stated that the senator had been in close coordination with embassy security throughout his visit, including on the night in question, and assured that he had adhered to all security protocols.
A Gallego spokesperson told NOTUS that the senator had ‘coordinated closely with embassy security throughout the trip, including on the evening in question, and followed all security guidance.’
‘While at dinner at the conclusion of a successful congressional delegation trip, the Senator and his Chief of Staff invited Embassy staff to join them, a common way to recognize the work of those who support these visits,’ the spokesperson added.
Gallego and Moreno are both of Colombian descent. Moreno was born in Colombia. Gallego was born in Chicago to a Colombian mother and a Mexican father.
US Senator Ruben Gallego speaks during the National Action Network (NAN) National Convention in New York City on April 9, 2026
A view of the center of Bogota with the Andes mountains in the background
Eric Swalwell and Ruben Gallego outside of the US Capitol in September of 2021
Gallego has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks due to his longtime friendship with Eric Swalwell, a former congressman and candidate for California governor this year.
At least five women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including rape, sexual assault, and sending unsolicited messages and photographs.
Swalwell announced last Monday that he would resign his seat in Congress after being engulfed by the scandal.
The Democrat – who had suspended his campaign for California governor only the day before – apologized to his family and staff while insisting the claims are false.
Gallego, Arizona’s junior senator, held a press conference in his office last week during which he claimed he had no knowledge of Swalwell’s inappropriate behavior, even though he had heard that Swalwell was ‘flirty.’
He broke down in tears at one point, insisting that he ‘trusted’ his friend.
‘And it hurts, the fact that he hurt a lot of people, and it pisses me off that now we all have to deal with all of his BS, his family, the poor victims that are still going to have to seek justice,’ Gallego said.
Turning on his longtime friend and colleague, he said that Swalwell ‘became very good at being a predator.’
He also noted that Swalwell ‘lied to all of us’ during his time on the House Judiciary Committee, where he was an active voice in the push to impeach Donald Trump.
The two men have been close throughout their time in Congress, with their families on friendly terms.
