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Trump, DNI Gabbard’s Confusing Role After FBI’s Fulton County Election Office Search

Updated (2 articles)

FBI Executes Warrant With Gabbard Present Amid Ongoing Election‑Integrity Probe

On January 30, 2026, FBI agents led by Deputy Director Andrew Bailey carried out a search warrant at the Fulton County elections office near Atlanta, seizing paper ballots and related materials; Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stood beside the agents during the operation [1][2]. The raid formed part of a broader federal effort to re‑examine the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia [1]. Officials emphasized that the search targeted potential vulnerabilities in election infrastructure rather than a specific fraud allegation [2].

Trump Publicly Praises Gabbard While White House Claims Direct Oversight Role

President Donald Trump told CNN’s Betsy Klein that Gabbard is “working very hard to try to keep the election safe” and suggested “interesting things” will emerge from the investigation [2]. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt added that Trump “tapped” Gabbard to oversee election sanctity and that she is working directly alongside the FBI director in a “whole‑of‑government effort” [1]. These statements contrast with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s claim that Gabbard’s presence was limited to observation and not participation in the grand‑jury probe [1].

Conflicting Accounts Detail Gabbard’s Involvement in Direct Communications

CNN confirmed Gabbard facilitated a phone call that placed President Trump on the line with FBI agents, a contact first reported by the New York Times [1]. While the White House framed the call as part of coordinated election‑security work, Blanche downplayed its significance, describing presidential contacts with law‑enforcement as routine [1]. The divergent narratives leave Gabbard’s exact function—whether as a liaison, overseer, or mere observer—unclear.

Experts Question Likelihood of New Findings and Note Gabbard’s Prior Conspiracy Advocacy

Election‑security scholar David Becker warned that Fulton County ballots have already been counted multiple times, the statute of limitations on related crimes has expired, and the search is unlikely to alter the 2020 outcome [2]. Gabbard’s earlier declassification of documents alleging a “treasonous conspiracy” by the Obama administration regarding Russian interference further fuels skepticism about the investigation’s impartiality [2]. Critics argue the raid serves more as a political statement than a substantive probe.

Sources

Timeline

Nov 2020 – Donald Trump loses the presidential election and begins publicly denying the result, a stance that later fuels his “obsession with 2020” and shapes his strategy for the 2026 midterms [2].

2025 – Tulsi Gabbard declassifies documents alleging the Obama administration staged a “treasonous conspiracy” about Russian interference in the 2016 election, reinforcing her reputation as an election‑integrity activist [2].

Jan 28, 2026 – FBI agents, Deputy Director Andrew Bailey and DNI Tulsi Gabbard execute a search warrant at the Fulton County elections office near Atlanta, seizing paper ballots as part of a grand‑jury probe [2].

Jan 28, 2026 – The Office of the Director of National Intelligence states that protecting election integrity falls within Gabbard’s legal responsibilities, emphasizing her “vital role in identifying vulnerabilities in our critical infrastructure” [2].

Jan 28, 2026 – President Trump tells CNN’s Betsy Klein that Gabbard is “working very hard to try to keep the election safe” and hints that “interesting things” will emerge from the investigation [2].

Jan 28, 2026 – Election‑security expert David Becker notes that Fulton County ballots have already been counted multiple times, the statute of limitations has expired, and the search is unlikely to change the 2020 outcome [2].

Feb 3, 2026 – Tulsi Gabbard appears beside a truck of boxes at the Fulton County search site, sparking confusion about her role in the FBI‑led raid [1].

Feb 3, 2026 – White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says President Trump “tapped” Gabbard to oversee election sanctity and that she works directly alongside the FBI director in a “whole‑of‑government effort” [1].

Feb 3, 2026 – Gabbard facilitates a phone call that puts President Trump on the line with FBI agents, a contact confirmed by CNN and first reported by the New York Times [1].

Feb 3, 2026 – Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche downplays Trump’s involvement, describing the president’s talks with law‑enforcement as “routine” despite evidence of direct contact [1].

Feb 3, 2026 – President Trump again praises Gabbard, reiterating that she is “working very hard on trying to keep the election safe” and suggesting the investigation will yield “interesting things” [1].

Nov 2026 (planned) – The upcoming 2026 midterm elections become a focal point for Trump’s strategy, as his continued denial of the 2020 loss drives efforts to influence public opinion and legal actions [2].

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