FBI agents fear Trump could order ballot seizures ahead of midterms, report says

WASHINGTON, DC: FBI agents fear the Trump administration could order them to seize ballots or voting machines, or deploy them to polling places ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, according to a Wednesday report from MS NOW by Ken Dilanian and Carol Leonnig.

Seven people familiar with conversations inside the bureau told the outlet that some agents worry they could be directed to pursue suspicious election fraud claims. Such actions could disrupt voting or delay the certification of results. The concerns follow two controversial federal investigations tied to the 2020 election. The FBI did not respond when MS NOW requested comment.

FBI agents cite Georgia and Arizona election investigations

“I’m worried about that situation for sure,” a current FBI official told MS NOW. “We have all the evidence we need to expect at least one US attorney and one FBI agent to be willing to sign on to such actions, such as Georgia and Arizona.”

The concerns follow two controversial federal investigations into the 2020 election. In January, the FBI seized ballots in Fulton County, Georgia, after obtaining a warrant tied largely to previously discredited fraud claims.

Federal agents also seized voting equipment and electronic records in Arizona in March.

Rob D’Amico, a former FBI supervisory agent and MS NOW contributor, said agents who push back against such actions could face consequences.

“The Fulton County, Georgia, search warrant demonstrated how people who questioned such moves will be removed, and so many have already,” D’Amico told the outlet.

Kash Patel and Todd Blanche face questions over election intervention

The report comes after FBI Director Kash Patel declined to categorically rule out the possibility of federal law enforcement activity at polling locations.

“I don’t know that we can’t legally do it,” Patel said during a September Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

Attorney General Todd Blanche, meanwhile, recently refused to rule out Justice Department intervention in election certification, although he maintained that he had no plans to “improperly interfere with elections.”

Federal law generally prohibits armed federal agents at polling places, with limited exceptions, MS NOW reported.

Election officials prepare for potential federal intervention

Election officials are reportedly developing contingency plans for potential federal intervention, including scenarios involving raids on polling locations or the detention of election administrators.

“This administration is clearly willing to throw anything at the wall and see if it sticks,” a former senior FBI agent told MS NOW.

“And even if it’s unfounded, it will find life on social media. So, big picture, I’m concerned they’ll cast doubt on the results, tie states up in litigation and try to delay certification. All to avoid accountability, which, of course, is Trump and this administration’s fear.”