Trump opposes DA Fani Willis' bid to rejoin Georgia election interference case

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - President-elect Donald Trump has filed a response opposing the State of Georgia's petition for certiorari (a higher court review) regarding the Court of Appeals' ruling that disqualified Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from prosecuting Trump's 2020 election interference case.

What we know:

The Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified Willis in mid-December, citing a "significant appearance of impropriety" stemming from her conduct during the investigation, including her relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Willis is now asking the Georgia Supreme Court to review and reverse that decision.

Trump's response argues that the Court of Appeals correctly applied existing legal standards and emphasizes that the case involves unique and rare circumstances unlikely to recur, making a Supreme Court review unnecessary. The filing also highlights findings of "actual impropriety" in Willis' conduct, including potential dishonesty under oath and misuse of funds.

The backstory:

The controversy surrounding Willis began when one of Trump's co-defendants, Michael Roman, filed a motion in January 2024 to disqualify her and her office from the case. 

Timeline: Fulton County DA Fani Willis, Nathan Wade controversy

Since then, the situation has been marked by drama, including a public speech by Willis at the historic Big Bethel AME Church, her efforts to secure a protective order to avoid being deposed in Wade's divorce case, disputes with the House Judiciary Committee over federal funds usage, and allegations of dishonesty during a heated hearing.

Initially, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee allowed Willis to remain on the case if Wade stepped down. However, both sides have continued to contest whether she should be permitted to prosecute the president-elect.

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has urged the state Supreme Court to reject Willis' bid to return to the case, describing her efforts as part of "lawfare" against the president-elect.

The election interference case centers on allegations that Trump and 18 associates attempted to overturn Georgia's 2020 presidential election results. Prosecutors claim that Trump led a "criminal racketeering enterprise" aimed at unlawfully altering the election's outcome.

What's next:

Steve Sadow, lead counsel for Trump in Georgia, issued the following statement to FOX 5 Atlanta:

"President Trump has filed a compelling response in opposition to DA Fani Willis' request that the Georgia Supreme Court review the Georgia Court of Appeals' ruling disqualifying Willis. The response persuasively argues that discretionary review is legally unwarranted under the particular circumstances of this case."

The case will not proceed against Trump and his co-defendants until the matter involving Willis is settled. 

Additionally, Georgia state senators voted along party lines earlier this week to continue investigating Willis' handling of the election interference case.  

Republicans, who lead the Senate, argued the investigation remains unfinished, while Democrats criticized it as an unnecessary distraction. The vote followed a heated debate on the Senate floor, with both sides offering sharp critiques.

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And, Willis has also been ordered to respond to a subpoena requiring her to testify before the special Senate committee that was formed to look into her handling of the case.