Georgia election officials have demanded the return of ballots and other records seized last week by FBI agents at the Fulton County election center. New body‑camera footage obtained by the Atlanta Journal‑Constitution shows agents removing materials and searching the center; in the video an agent is heard saying, “One way or the other, the records are coming with us today.”
State officials called for the immediate return of the records. Democrats expressed alarm 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 certain cities and states run elections, citing Detroit, Philadelphia and Atlanta as examples he accused of corruption. He argued the federal government “should get involved” in places he said run “crooked elections.” Some Republicans pushed back, reiterating that states are responsible for administering elections and warning that a 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 heightened concerns about a federal presence at voting sites and the potential for confrontations.
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 court’s denial lets the map stand for the upcoming midterm elections; analysts say it could add several Democratic seats in the House.
Weijia Jiang reported for CBS News on these developments.