WASHINGTON, DC: Representative Eric Swalwell (D-Calif) stirred a controversy with his recent remarks suggesting that former President Donald Trump should step aside ahead of the upcoming election.

Swalwell argued that it would be too late for President Joe Biden to withdraw from the race but insisted that Trump, due to his legal troubles, should step down instead.

Eric Swalwell urges Donald Trump to step aside as he is a 'convicted felon'

Eric fell short of declaring an alternative for Joe Biden but instead focused on Trump, suggesting he was a convicted felon and should step down during an Interview on MSNBC.

"It’s a little late, Chris, in the election season for a party’s presumptive nominee to step down, but I’m going to call on one of the nominees to do that right here. Donald Trump should step aside. He’s a convicted felon," Swalwell remarked.

“There are people in this country who are less cruel and more competent, who could do the job, probably 350 million deep. And so that’s the person who should be stepping down," he added as The Hill reported. 

Trump was found guilty in late May of 34 counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made to adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election cycle.

The former president has denied the claim and vowed to appeal his conviction. Additionally, a New York jury ordered Trump to pay $83.3 million to author E Jean Carroll earlier this year in a civil trial where a jury found the former president liable for sexual battery.

Criticism of Joe Biden’s campaign performance

Following what was seen as a dismal debate performance, Swalwell also commented on President Biden’s campaign strategy.

“Joe Biden needs to show a hell of a lot more, and his staff needs to start telling a lot less and getting the president out there,” Swalwell said, adding “And he needs to do that yesterday, not tomorrow.”

Several elected Democrats, including Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz), and Seth Moulton (D-Mass), Representative Angie Craig (D-Min), Mike Quigley (D-Ill) have called on Biden to withdraw from the race and allow another candidate to lead the ticket against Trump in November.

Despite these calls, Biden has remained firm in his decision to stay in the race. 

"If the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get out of the race,’ I’d get out of the race. The Lord Almighty’s not comin’ down,” Biden said during the ABC interview.

Internet reacts to Eric Swalwell's suggestions for Donald Trump to step aside

One user wrote on X, "For what? Lol. Y'all feared?" Another user wrote, "Oh Erica… I know you’re scared but don’t be ridiculous."

"Epic Spyfart should resign in disgrace," wrote another. "The Dems should all demanded Trump withdraw after his conviction," wrote one more.

"I didn't know Swalwell did comedy," quipped another while criticizing his suggestion. 

"Trump should step aside. He’s damaging the nation," one sided with Swalwell. '"Don’t take advice from a guy who sleeps with spies. SORRY, NOT SORRY!" wrote another.