Georgia Court Allows Legislators to Subpoena Fani Willis in Trump Case

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis faces a subpoena from Georgia lawmakers after a judge ruled they could question her over the prosecution of former President Donald Trump.

The decision, issued by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram on December 23, 2024, comes as part of a legislative inquiry into whether Willis engaged in misconduct during her role in the high-profile case, Fox News reported. 

Willis has until January 13, 2025, to file objections to the subpoenas, which are connected to her prosecution of Trump for alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. Despite the ruling, Willis intends to appeal the judge’s decision, according to her attorney, former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes. Barnes expressed strong disapproval of the ruling, stating that they believed it was wrong and would challenge it.

The subpoena seeks information related to the conduct of Willis' office in its investigation and prosecution of Trump, particularly over allegations that the former president tried to influence Georgia’s 2020 election results. Willis has been at the center of political controversy, with critics questioning her conduct and motivations.

Appeals Court Removes Willis from Trump Case

Earlier in December, an appeals court removed Willis from the case due to concerns about an "appearance of impropriety" linked to her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.

This decision highlighted the court’s determination that the situation required disqualification to maintain public confidence in the case’s integrity.

Trump himself condemned the case, calling it “a disgrace to justice.” He claimed that the Department of Justice initiated the investigation to target him as a political opponent, accusing Willis of being part of a broader scheme involving misused funds and improper relationships.

The legal struggle between Georgia lawmakers and Willis escalated during the summer of 2024. In August, a Republican-led Senate committee subpoenaed her, seeking her testimony regarding her handling of the Trump investigation. The committee’s goal was to probe potential misconduct, including accusations of bias or overreach in prosecuting the former president.

Willis Skips Senate Hearing and Further Tensions Arise

However, Willis did not comply with the committee’s request to testify in September. Her failure to appear sparked further tension between her office and state lawmakers, setting the stage for a court ruling that now compels her cooperation.

Senator Greg Dolezal, a Republican from Georgia, expressed support for the ruling, claiming that it confirmed what they had known all along.

“The law is clear,” Dolezal said, adding that the ruling demonstrated the strength of the legislative authority to subpoena officials like Willis. He expressed confidence that Willis would eventually comply with the subpoenas, providing both documents and testimony as required by the committee.

Committee Focuses on Alleged Misconduct in Trump Investigation

As part of the legislative inquiry, lawmakers are focusing on whether Willis’ actions as the district attorney went beyond acceptable bounds and whether she misused her position to target Trump. The committee’s formation was a direct response to allegations of misconduct during the investigation into Trump’s attempts to alter the 2020 election outcome in Georgia.

Barnes, who is representing Willis, has insisted that the subpoenas are overly broad and do not serve a legitimate legislative purpose. He argues that the Senate committee does not have the legal authority to compel Willis to testify or produce documents in this manner.

The Georgia legislative session is set to conclude when lawmakers are sworn in on January 13, 2025, raising the possibility of new legislative actions. Dolezal has indicated plans to re-establish the committee at the start of the next session, ensuring continued oversight of the ongoing investigation.