Overview
Tulsi Gabbard defended her presence during an FBI search at an election center in Fulton County, Georgia. The incident raised questions because she serves as director of national intelligence. That role usually stays separate from domestic law enforcement operations.
In a letter sent Monday to top Democrats on House and Senate intelligence committees, Gabbard said she acted lawfully. She also said her actions matched her responsibilities as the nation’s top intelligence official.
Gabbard Says She Followed the Law
Gabbard said her office reviewed the situation. She stated that ODNI lawyers found her actions legal and within her authority.
She argued her job includes election security work. That includes identifying and analyzing foreign threats to elections and voting systems.
She Didn’t Brief Congress Before the Trip
Gabbard defended her decision not to brief lawmakers before traveling to Georgia. She said she would not share incomplete intelligence assessments.
She wrote that she will brief Congress once the assessments are finished.
She Arranged a Call Between Trump and FBI Agents
Gabbard confirmed she arranged a call between President Donald Trump and FBI personnel. She said she did this so Trump could thank the agents who carried out the search.
Gabbard insisted neither she nor Trump issued directives. She also said Trump did not ask investigative questions.
Two sources later confirmed the phone call. Reports said Trump missed the call at first but later called back. He briefly spoke with agents, including the supervisory agent.
DOJ Officials Defend Her Involvement
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended Gabbard publicly. He said she was not inside the search itself. He said she was nearby while it took place.
Blanche said Gabbard is not part of the investigation. However, he described her as an expert in election integrity matters. He also said the president trusts her to be involved.
Blanche also said he does not believe Trump directed the raid. The FBI and Justice Department oversaw the operation.
Critics Say Her Presence Was Unusual
National security experts raised concerns about her involvement. It is rare for a national intelligence director to appear near an FBI raid.
Gabbard oversees the nation’s intelligence agencies. Her job normally does not include domestic law enforcement activity. That is why her presence drew scrutiny.
ODNI Says Trump Requested She Go
An ODNI official said Trump asked Gabbard to go to Fulton County. The official said federal law gives the DNI a role in counterintelligence tied to election security.
The official also said Gabbard oversees the FBI’s intelligence and counterintelligence divisions. That authority comes through her leadership of the 18 intelligence agencies.
Search Linked to 2020 Election Records
The FBI action reportedly involved records tied to the 2020 presidential election. Fulton County officials said they plan to sue the Trump administration.
FBI headquarters and the Atlanta field office declined to comment
