By Karim Hammam
FBI agents are concerned that the Trump administration could instruct them to seize ballots or voting machines ahead of next week's midterm elections, according to multiple current and former bureau officials who spoke to MS NOW. The fears center on legally dubious orders to investigate unsubstantiated fraud claims, potentially using warrants to obtain voting materials.
Concerns over legally dubious orders
Armed federal agents are prohibited by law from entering polling places, but officials worry the Department of Justice might seek warrants to confiscate election materials. Advocates for fair elections are preparing to offer agents legal and ethical guidance to resist such directives.
Fulton County precedent
The anxiety follows the FBI's seizure of ballots in Fulton County, Georgia, earlier this year, which did not result in criminal charges. In July, two Atlanta-based bureau analysts were fired after refusing to participate in the administration's probe into the 2020 election that triggered the Fulton County seizures.
Former agent warns of pressure
"It is going to take people of high moral character to hold the line between doing what they're told and doing what is right and lawful," said Rob D'Amico, a former FBI agent and current MS NOW contributor. He added that the Fulton County search warrant demonstrated how officials who question such moves are removed.
Justice Department stance
Attorney General Todd Blanche left open the possibility that the Justice Department might try to block states from certifying midterm results, though he said he had no designs on "improperly" interfering. On CNN, Blanche dismissed fears that Trump might seek to overturn the results as "crazy."
Public doubt and FBI director's response
A recent Ipsos survey found a majority of Americans do not believe Trump will respect the election results if Republicans suffer losses. When asked whether deploying FBI agents to polling places would be illegal, FBI Director Kash Patel responded, "I don't know that we can't legally do it."
State officials reassure voters
New York Attorney General Letitia James wrote this week that armed federal agents are not allowed at polling places and no one can use a badge, weapon, or threat to stop eligible voters. "Voting in New York is safe, and my office will make sure every eligible voter can cast their ballot and be heard," she said.
