Georgia election officials demanded the return of ballots and other records from the 2020 election that FBI agents seized last week from the Fulton County election center. New body‑camera video obtained by the Atlanta Journal‑Constitution shows agents removing materials and searching the center; at one point an agent is captured saying, “One way or the other, the records are coming with us today.”
The seizure has prompted state officials to demand the immediate return of the records. Democrats raised alarms after reports that President Trump — who continues to falsely claim the 2020 election was rigged — sent National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard to Fulton County during the operation and later thanked agents in a call arranged by Gabbard. The episode intensified partisan debate over federal involvement in state election administration.
Nationally, Trump renewed calls for federal intervention in how some states run elections, citing cities and states he accused of corruption, including Detroit, Philadelphia and Atlanta. He argued the federal government “should get involved” in places he claimed run “crooked elections.” Some Republicans pushed back, reiterating that states are responsible for administering elections and warning that federal takeover would raise serious constitutional issues.
Trump ally Steve Bannon suggested federal enforcement at polling places this fall, predicting agents would surround precincts in November; his comments further stoked concerns about federal presence at voting sites and the potential for confrontation.
Separately, the Supreme Court declined an emergency request to block a new California congressional map approved by voters in a special election last fall. The denial clears the map to stand for the upcoming midterm elections; analysts say it could add several Democratic seats in the House.
Weijia Jiang reported for CBS News on the developments.
