Republican-Led Georgia Senate Launches Probe into Fani Willis Amid Trump Case Turmoil
Key Developments:
The Georgia Senate, led by Republicans, has initiated an inquiry into allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, overseeing Trump’s election interference case, and a prosecutor on the case. In a party-line vote, a special committee was established on Friday, empowered to administer oaths and issue subpoenas. Republican state Sen. Greg Dolezal proposed the bill, contending that if the claims against Willis are true, they could tarnish her office’s reputation and erode trust in the criminal justice system. The committee comprises nine members, including three Democrats, and was swiftly formed after Republican state Sen. Charlice Byrd announced articles of impeachment against Willis. Forbes has reached out to Willis’ office for comment.
Background and Allegations: The accusations against Willis, potentially impacting her case against Trump and 18 other co-defendants accused of obstructing President Biden’s 2020 election win in Georgia, originated from a filing by co-defendant Michael Roman. Roman sought Willis’ disqualification, citing an alleged improper relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Trump’s legal team supported this filing, claiming racial bias and targeting by Willis.
The accusations have cast a shadow on the ongoing criminal proceedings. Democrats in the state Senate reportedly opposed the committee, denouncing it as “political theater.” Former President Trump, in Truth Social posts, baselessly alleged coordination between the case and President Biden’s White House and the Department of Justice, making unsubstantiated claims about Willis’ alleged partner’s visits to the White House. Willis declined to provide documents related to a congressional request from Rep. Jim Jordan, citing confidentiality concerns linked to the ongoing criminal matter. In recent weeks, Trump’s legal team sought records indicating coordination between the White House and prosecutor Wade, who allegedly billed the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office for trips to Washington.