By Trendsetter Tribune 
DNI Tulsi Gabbard explains why she joined FBI agents during a search of a Georgia election center, saying President Trump requested her presence amid rising criticism from lawmakers.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has defended her presence at the FBI’s recent search of a Georgia election center, telling Congress that she was there at the request of President Trump and under her statutory authority related to election security.
Gabbard was photographed last week by a Reuters photographer outside the Fulton County election office, wearing a baseball cap and standing beside a vehicle loaded with documents. The image quickly circulated online, drawing sharp criticism from several lawmakers.
In a letter sent Monday to top members of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees, Gabbard said her participation was lawful and appropriate. She explained that Trump asked her to be present and that the operation fell within her duties to oversee intelligence connected to election security, counterintelligence, foreign interference, and cybersecurity. She also noted that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence oversees both the FBI’s Intelligence and Counterintelligence divisions.
Fulton County was central to Trump’s unproven claims of widespread voter fraud during the 2020 election, which he lost to President Biden. County officials confirmed that FBI agents collected records from the 2020 election—documents Trump has long argued would support his allegations that the race was stolen.
Gabbard said she assisted agents “for a brief period of time” and called the president during the operation. According to her letter, Trump thanked FBI agents for their professionalism but neither he nor Gabbard issued instructions or directives during the search.
Her appearance at the facility quickly became a point of controversy. Sen. Mark Warner shared the Reuters photo online, questioning why the nation’s top intelligence official was present during what he described as a domestic law enforcement action. Rep. Joaquin Castro called Gabbard’s involvement “extremely unusual,” arguing that such participation by a DNI warrants immediate oversight and a formal explanation to the Intelligence Committee. Former Attorney General Eric Holder also expressed concern, calling the situation alarming.
Gabbard responded forcefully, accusing lawmakers and the media of spreading “blatantly false and slanderous accusations.” She insisted that the ODNI would continue acting under its authorities to safeguard elections and said she would brief Congress once the FBI concludes its investigation.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended her presence, explaining that the administration works collaboratively and that her involvement should not surprise anyone given her role. Fulton County officials also downplayed the controversy, saying they have nothing to hide.
As scrutiny grows, Congress is expected to push for more details about Gabbard’s role and the broader purpose of the search once the investigation concludes.