Raid Targets 2020 Ballot Records Under DOJ Lawsuit The FBI entered the Fulton County Election Hub on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2026, and loaded boxes of ballots, stubs, signature envelopes and digital files onto a truck. The search warrant, approved by a federal judge, specifically demanded “all used and void ballots, stubs of all ballots, signature envelopes, and corresponding envelope digital files” from the 2020 General Election. The operation implements a December 2025 Department of Justice lawsuit that seeks comprehensive 2020 election materials from Fulton County officials. [1][2]

Trump Leverages Federal Action to Revive Election Fraud Narrative After delivering a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, former President Donald Trump claimed that criminal charges related to the 2020 election were imminent and framed the FBI raid as evidence of hidden fraud. He reiterated his demand for “11,780 votes” that he previously made to Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in January 2021. Trump’s comments link the federal seizure directly to his broader effort to overturn the 2020 result and to mobilize his supporters. [1]

Local Officials Decry Federal Seizure as Voter Assault Fulton County Commissioner Mo Ivory called the FBI operation “an assault on your vote” during a press conference, echoing anger from other county leaders. Officials emphasized that the seized documents pertain to legitimate election administration and expressed uncertainty about the impact on future elections. The criticism underscores concerns that federal intervention could intimidate voters and election workers. [2]

Legal Experts Warn FBI Raid May Serve Political Purposes UCLA law professor Rick Hasen warned that the raid turns the FBI into a personal tool of vengeance for Trump, while Senator Jon Ossoff described the action as a president wielding federal law enforcement for revenge. Former DOJ voting‑rights attorney David Becker suggested the search is intended to “poison the well for 2026” rather than secure convictions. These assessments highlight fears that the investigation could be used to influence upcoming electoral cycles. [1]

Previous Georgia Election Cases Show Mixed Outcomes The Fulton County grand‑jury case collapsed after a conflict‑of‑interest claim against District Attorney Fani Willis, and Trump subsequently sued her. A state racketeering indictment against Trump was dismissed due to prosecutorial error, and a federal indictment ended after his 2025 return to the White House. These setbacks illustrate the difficulty of securing prosecutions despite ongoing fraud allegations. [1][2]