Trump Directed Intelligence Chief to Participate in Georgia Election Raid
President Donald Trump ordered Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, to take part in the FBI’s raid on an election facility in Fulton County, Georgia, last week, according to reports citing U.S. Officials. This revelation, reported by the New York Times and Axios, challenges the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) initial explanation that Gabbard’s presence at the election hub during the search was coincidental.
Gabbard’s involvement is considered highly unusual given her role as the Director of National Intelligence, a position that typically focuses on foreign intelligence threats. The raid, which took place on January 28, 2026, involved the seizure of 2020 election ballots and has been widely denounced by Democrats and election officials as a major assault on American democracy. Local officials and legal experts have also questioned the legality of the search.
The New York Times reported that Trump spoke to some of the FBI agents involved in the raid the day after it occurred. He reportedly “thanked” the agents directly, according to MSNBC. A Justice Department leader, however, rejected claims that the president was directly involved in initiating the raid.
The FBI’s actions have inflamed fears of federal interference in upcoming elections. The raid and Gabbard’s presence have raised alarm bells, suggesting the DOJ and FBI may be building a case alleging foreign interference led to Trump’s loss in Georgia in 2020 – a conspiracy theory Trump has recently amplified, despite it being debunked.
Senator Mark Warner has called for Gabbard to testify regarding her role in the raid, according to CNBC. Georgia Democrats have also called for an inquiry into Gabbard’s presence at the Fulton County search, as reported by The Guardian.
The situation is further complicated by conflicting narratives from the Trump team regarding the president’s involvement and Gabbard’s role, as noted by CNN. Trump stated that Gabbard was “working very hard on trying to keep the election safe,” but did not elaborate on the specifics of her involvement.
The raid occurred at the Fulton County Elections Hub and Operations Center. Gabbard was observed at the location on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, but did not offer an explanation for her presence at the time. Trump indicated that a signed judge’s order authorized the search, stating, “You got a signed judge’s order in Georgia, and you see some interesting things happening. They’ve been trying to get there for a long time.”
Last week, Trump warned of prosecutions related to the 2020 election. While Georgia election officials and others maintain the 2020 election was fair and accurate, Gabbard’s office contends she is acting within her authorities to protect the U.S.
The FBI raid has ignited a debate over voting security and federal authority, as reported by PBS. The incident is occurring as Trump continues his multi-year campaign alleging widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election, which he lost.
