The decision upholds a lower court’s ruling, citing Willis’ “egregious misconduct” in her prosecution of the case.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ effort to remain on the high-profile racketeering case against President Donald Trump and his co-defendants has concluded. On Tuesday, the Georgia Supreme Court declined to review her appeal, upholding a lower court’s decision to disqualify her from the prosecution.
The controversy stems from Willis’ hiring of special prosecutor Nathan Wade, with whom she admitted to having a romantic relationship. Defense attorneys first raised concerns in January 2024, alleging that Willis improperly benefited from the arrangement. They claimed she awarded Wade a lucrative contract and then used the funds for lavish trips and cruises.
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Willis had falsely claimed all special prosecutors were paid the same hourly rate. In reality, Wade was paid a higher rate than the state’s leading racketeering expert, a detail that further fueled allegations of impropriety.
The Georgia Court of Appeals previously ruled in December 2024 that the trial court “erred by failing to disqualify DA Willis and her office.” The Supreme Court’s decision to not hear the case effectively solidifies that ruling.
Steve Sadow, Trump’s lead Georgia defense counsel, praised the decision in a statement, calling it a “proper decision” that should “bring an end to the wrongful political, lawfare persecutions of the President.” He added that Willis’ misconduct was “egregious and she deserved nothing less than disqualification.”
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Jeff Clark, a former White House official and one of the defendants in the case, also reacted to the news on X, stating, “I’m pleased to announce that Fani Willis has now been permanently disqualified from prosecuting the indictment that she brought against President Trump, me, and many others.”
The case will now be transferred to the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, which will be tasked with appointing a replacement for Willis. Willis’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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