Georgia Senate can subpoena Fani Willis, court rules

A recent ruling by a Georgia judge has allowed state lawmakers to subpoena Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis as part of an investigation into potential misconduct during her prosecution of President-elect Donald Trump. The order, issued by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram on Dec. 23, gives Willis until Jan. 13 to submit a list of claimed privileges and objections to the items that have been subpoenaed. However, Willis has expressed her intention to appeal the decision.

Former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes, who is representing Willis in the case, stated, “We believe the ruling is wrong and will appeal,” in an email to The Associated Press.

In a separate development, an appeals court recently disqualified Willis from the Georgia election interference case against Trump and others due to an “appearance of impropriety.” The court highlighted the romantic relationship between Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade as a key factor in their decision.

President-elect Donald Trump criticized the case, labeling it a “disgrace to justice” and alleging that it was initiated by the Biden Department of Justice as a political attack against him. He further accused Willis and Wade of misusing funds and taking unauthorized trips.

The Republican-led Senate committee had previously issued subpoenas to Willis in August to compel her testimony regarding alleged misconduct during her prosecution of Trump for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. Willis did not attend a hearing in September where lawmakers had hoped to question her.

Attorney Barnes argued that the subpoenas were overly broad and unrelated to a legitimate legislative need, questioning the Senate committee’s authority to subpoena Willis. The legislative term in Georgia is set to end when lawmakers are sworn in for the new term on Jan. 13. Republican state Senator Greg Dolezal announced plans to reintroduce the committee at the start of the 2025 legislative session.

Judge Ingram’s ruling upheld the committee’s right to subpoena Willis for testimony and documents. Dolezal expressed his anticipation for Willis to comply with the subpoena and provide the necessary information to the committee.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.