This claim was made by California U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell during an inquiry into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. The background concerned the close ties and suspected collusion between Russia and then-candidate Donald Trump.

Swalwell was alluding to Trump's contacts with people connected to Russian interests during his political career, especially in the run-up to and during the 2016 election. This included appointing individuals with known ties to Russia to his presidential campaign staff.

Consider a situation in which a mayoral candidate is assembling their campaign staff. This candidate chooses specialists with close ties to another country that has expressed interest in influencing domestic affairs, rather than advisors from within their own nation who are familiar with local politics and issues. It raises concerns about the final product's integrity and purity, much like when you invite foreign chefs into your kitchen to bake a cake for your community.

Swalwell's remarks were a part of a broader discussion concerning accountability and transparency in American politics, particularly with regard to any outside intervention that might affect elections or policy choices. His remarks are intended to emphasize how crucial it is to understand who has access to your political process and why they might be involved.