Georgia Senate committee to reissue subpoena for DA Fani Willis in Trump election probe
Senate committee to reissue subpoena for DA Willis
The Georgia Senate Special Committee plans to reissue a subpoena to compel Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to testify regarding allegations of misconduct during her investigation of the 2020 Trump election case.
ATLANTA - A state Senate committee investigating Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis says they will reissue a subpoena compelling her to testify.
The Senate Special Committee is looking into allegations of misconduct against Willis during her investigation in the 2020 Trump election case.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Georgia Senate Special Committee Chairman Bill Cowsert
Georgia Senate vs DA Willis
What we know:
During Thursday's hearing, committee Chairman Bill Cowsert said he will make every effort to have DA Willis testify during this legislative session.
Willis defied a subpoena to testify last year, arguing the committee does not have the authority to subpoena her. A judge ruled that Willis must comply with any subpoena to appear.
Early this session, the Georgia state senators voted along party lines to continue investigating Willis.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (FOX 5)
What we don't know:
It was not clear when Senate Republicans would move to have Willis served with a subpoena again.
DA Willis removed from Trump case
Dig deeper:
A state appeals court in December removed Willis from the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and others, citing an "appearance of impropriety" that might not typically warrant such a removal. The Georgia Court of Appeals panel said in a 2-1 ruling that because of the romantic relationship Willis had with special prosecutor Nathan Wade "this is the rare case in which disqualification is mandated, and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings."
Nathan Wade testifies in a Fulton County courtroom on Feb. 15, 2024. (FOX 5)
Willis’ office immediately filed a notice of intent to ask the Georgia Supreme Court to review the decision.
The other side:
Republicans, who lead the Senate, argued the investigation remains unfinished, while Democrats criticized it as an unnecessary distraction.
SEE ALSO:
- Trump's mug shot from Fulton County Jail hangs in White House
- HB 237 explained: Bill seeks to limit use of lyrics in future court cases
- House Judiciary Committee seeks testimony, documents from Fulton County DA employees
- Trump opposes DA Fani Willis' bid to rejoin Georgia election interference case
- Fulton County DA Fani Willis pushes for jail funding ahead of budget deadline
The Source: This article sources details from a meeting of the Senate Special Committee on Thursday. Previous FOX 5 Atlanta reports were also used with links in the article.