Democratic lawmakers are questioning the presence of Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence, in Fulton County, Georgia, as FBI agents conducted a search for documents related to the 2020 election. Gabbard’s visit coincided with the execution of a search warrant for ballots, tabulator tapes, ballot images, and voter rolls from the election, raising suspicions among political observers.

Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff expressed alarm, stating, “My constituents—and I believe much of the American public—are justifiably concerned and asking questions after the director of national intelligence was seen in an FBI evidence vehicle in Fulton County. I urge us all, in a bipartisan manner, to uncover the facts and determine whether the office of the director of national intelligence is overstepping its bounds.”

Senator Mark Warner from Virginia criticized Gabbard, who has previously supported debunked conspiracy theories regarding the 2020 election, labeling her as “totally unqualified” for her role. He viewed her presence in Georgia during a federal investigation related to Donald Trump’s claims as problematic. “Her participation suggests either a belief in a foreign intelligence connection, which would violate her obligation to inform intelligence committees of national security issues, or an attempt to involve the intelligence community in a politically motivated act undermining our democracy,” Warner remarked.

An unnamed senior administration official defended Gabbard’s actions, citing foreign threats to election integrity as justification for her presence. The official stated, “Director Gabbard plays a crucial role in securing elections against interference, including operations targeting voting systems and databases. She is following President Trump’s directive to ensure our election security.”

While Gabbard has yet to clarify her reasons for attending the operation in Georgia, reports indicate she is compiling research on the 2020 election on behalf of the White House, a role that falls outside the conventional responsibilities of her office. Her team previously promised a statement but did not follow through, and she was spotted at the site amid the retrieval of documents.

The FBI’s actions have unsettled Democratic leaders in Georgia, spurring calls for transparency. Representative Nikema Williams of Atlanta expressed concerns in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, stating, “The 2020 election has been litigated. By continuing to raid election sites in Georgia, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is intimidating voters and election officials instead of pursuing legitimate law enforcement objectives.”

California Representative Joaquin Castro, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, echoed calls for accountability. In a recent CNN interview, he noted, “It’s highly unusual for the Director of National Intelligence to be involved in domestic operations. The committee should exercise its oversight authority and summon Tulsi Gabbard to explain her actions.”