Gabbard’s Letter on Election Security Evaluation
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard shared insights on her election security assessment in a letter to Congress members, revealing that President Trump “specifically directed” her to observe the recent execution of a search warrant in Fulton County, Georgia, related to an investigation.
This letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, was addressed to Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, and Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee. It was also sent to leadership in both chambers, as well as GOP leaders of the respective committees.
Gabbard’s letter was a response to inquiries previously posed by Warner and Himes regarding her presence at the FBI’s raid on an election office in Fulton County last month. Earlier, in April 2025, she had mentioned that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) was examining electronic voting systems to ensure election integrity.
In the correspondence, Gabbard explained that Trump had specifically asked her to be on-site during the search warrant execution on January 28, 2026. She stated, “I briefly accompanied FBI Deputy Director Bailey and Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Ellis to observe FBI agents executing a search warrant authorized by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.”
She noted that her presence was requested by the President and was carried out under her legal authority to coordinate and analyze information regarding election security, including counterintelligence, foreign interference, and cybersecurity issues, adding, “The FBI’s Intelligence and Counterintelligence Division is one of 18 divisions that I oversee.”
Gabbard mentioned that senior FBI officials double as her domestic DNI representatives across 12 field offices nationwide, including in Atlanta. She explained that this domestic DNI-Rep program was initiated in 2011 to address specific domestic security concerns.
During her Atlanta visit, Gabbard expressed gratitude to the FBI agents for their diligence, even facilitating a brief phone call with the President to thank them for their efforts. Notably, she remarked that neither she nor Trump provided any directives during that conversation.
In her letter, Gabbard asserted that ODNI’s Office of General Counsel endorsed her actions, affirming they were within her statutory authority. Recently, FBI agents were spotted conducting searches at election-related sites in Fulton County, a focal point of voter fraud concerns since 2020.
The search warrant reportedly authorized the collection of election records and data connected to the 2020 election. Gabbard elaborated on the importance of election security, labeling it a “national security issue.” She emphasized, “Interference in U.S. elections is a threat to our republic.” She reassured that Trump and the Administration are committed to safeguarding the integrity of elections from any undue influence.
According to Gabbard, Trump instructed ODNI to take necessary actions under its statutory authority to protect election integrity, including compliance with the Fulton County search warrant execution.
She reiterated that ODNI has been actively assessing intelligence regarding election integrity since her tenure began. Additionally, she stated that personnel from the National Counterintelligence Security Center accompanied her to Fulton County as part of their responsibility to lead counterintelligence matters related to election security, though they weren’t present during the warrant execution.
Furthermore, Gabbard emphasized ODNI’s extensive authority regarding election security matters, asserting their role as the lead intelligence agency overseeing the nation’s strategy for securing critical cyber infrastructure, particularly that related to elections.
She conveyed to lawmakers that ODNI maintains high standards for sharing intelligence, ensuring it’s objective and free from political bias. Gabbard detailed previous statements about vulnerabilities within U.S. electronic voting systems that could allow for manipulation, reinforcing the ongoing need for vigilance.
Returning to earlier comments, she highlighted that ODNI is committed to gathering and analyzing information about threats against election security. While she acknowledged the prior investigation into electronic voting issues, she also clarified that the assessment process prioritizes thoroughness and independence.
Addressing the legal framework, Gabbard pointed out that the National Security Act of 1947 permits the President to initiate significant intelligence activities without needing approval from Congressional Intelligence Committees beforehand.
She concluded by noting that she still hadn’t seen any warrant or evidence submitted to the court concerning the search, emphasizing that ODNI lacked the authority to notify the Intelligence Commission before the search’s execution.
Recently, Trump commended Gabbard for her efforts in protecting elections, claiming she has been “working hard” and had performed admirably. He remarked that developments were anticipated in Georgia’s legal proceedings regarding the ballots from 2020, although it appears separate from the FBI investigation.
Fulton County is currently contesting a lawsuit from the Justice Department seeking access to these ballots, arguing that the Department lacks a valid claim for such access.
