Gabbard’s Senate testimony exposed as 'total lie' by her own Fulton raid letter
WASHINGTON, DC: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard faced intense scrutiny on Tuesday, March 18, after her Senate testimony appeared to conflict with a document she released last month regarding the FBI’s January 28 search warrant execution at a Fulton County election hub.
Under questioning from Senator Mark Warner (D-Va), Gabbard said she only “observed” the operation and did not participate, stating such activity falls outside her legal authority.
However, a February 2, 2026, unclassified letter signed by Gabbard states that she “accompanied” senior FBI officials during the execution of the warrant.
The same document notes she was directed by the President to “coordinate, integrate, and analyze” intelligence tied to election security, language that indicates a more active role than the “observer” characterization she presented during the hearing.
Sworn denial of law enforcement participation
During testimony, Gabbard maintained a clear distinction between observation and participation.
“I did not participate in a law enforcement activity, nor would I,” she said, adding that her presence was limited to observing the operation and thanking personnel.
Sen. @MarkWarner spars with DNI Gabbard over GA ballot seizure: "Where is the authority for you to involve yourself in a domestic law enforcement activity?"
— CSPAN (@cspan) March 18, 2026
Gabbard: "I did not participate in a law enforcement activity, nor would I."
Warner: "You were present at the scene." pic.twitter.com/fNGnjwCaAs
When asked why the Director of National Intelligence was present at a local search site, Gabbard said she was there to “observe the FBI’s activities” and did not issue any directives.
Her February 2 memo, however, frames her presence within a broader national security mandate, stating her involvement was tied to ensuring that “neither foreign nor domestic powers undermine” election integrity.
Letter confirms Director 'accompanied' FBI raid
Contrary to the blatantly false and slanderous accusations being made against me by Members of Congress and their friends in the propaganda media, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has and will continue to take action under my statutory authorities to secure our… pic.twitter.com/eX4Kdnp8oU
— DNI Tulsi Gabbard (@DNIGabbard) February 3, 2026
The February letter provides additional detail about her role during the operation. Gabbard wrote that she accompanied FBI Deputy Director Bailey and Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Ellis during the execution of the warrant.
The document also states that she facilitated a phone call between the President and agents on-site, while her office was reviewing intelligence assessments related to election security.
It further notes that personnel from the National Counterintelligence and Security Center traveled with her to Fulton County to support the broader effort, though their role during the warrant execution is not specified.
Legal justifications under scrutiny
The February correspondence cites Section 102A of the National Security Act, stating that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s general counsel determined her actions were “consistent and well within” her statutory authority.
During Tuesday’s hearing, however, Gabbard emphasized that direct participation in law enforcement actions would be outside her authority, reinforcing her position that her role was observational.
The contrast between her sworn testimony and prior written statements has drawn questions from lawmakers, with the Senate Intelligence Committee continuing to examine the scope of her involvement in the Fulton County operation.
