Anti-Trump DA Fani Willis Defies Georgia Senate Subpoena
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has refused to comply with a subpoena that called for her testimony before Georgia's state Senate, according to reports.
The Senate Special Committee on Investigations, chaired by Republican state Sen. Bill Cowsert, issued the subpoena as part of its inquiry into allegations that Willis misused taxpayer resources, as reported by Fox News.
"We don't expect her to appear, but it's disheartening that she seems to think she's above the law," said Cowsert before Willis declined the subpoena.
He added, "We have the authority to investigate, issue subpoenas, and compel testimony and documents. If challenged in court, our power will be upheld."
Willis would be required to attend the hearing and provide certain documents, though enforcing compliance may necessitate a court order, Cowsert indicated.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, a Georgia judge ruled against Willis regarding an open records lawsuit. Fulton County Judge Rachel Krause denied a request to dismiss the lawsuit, which involved attorney Ashleigh Merchant, who represents co-defendant Michael Roman in the election interference case against Donald Trump and his associates. However, the judge allowed Willis to remain involved in her official capacity while exempting her from being named personally in the suit.
The lawsuit, based on the Georgia Open Records Act, claims Willis’ office failed to provide requested documents on time, particularly those related to a media monitoring firm allegedly funded by taxpayer money. Judge Krause has scheduled a hearing to determine the extent of the records involved.
Additionally, Merchant alleged that Willis' actions were a result of "poor judgment," a sentiment reportedly echoed by the judge. The defense plans to subpoena officials who handled the open records requests to gather more evidence.
Willis’ racketeering case against Trump has been paused since June while the Georgia Court of Appeals reviews Trump’s attempt to disqualify her from the case. The case stems from an alleged effort by Trump and 18 others to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results. Willis has been under scrutiny from lawmakers for alleged misuse of funds and her past relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade, who resigned after a judge allowed the case to continue under the condition that Wade step down.
Willis' office has also been embroiled in a separate scandal. Text messages revealed during a court hearing showed that an investigator from her office made inappropriate advances toward a witness in the Young Slime Life (YSL) trial involving rapper Young Thug. The messages, including one in which the investigator suggested a date with the witness, have further complicated the DA's challenges.
Trump and his 13 remaining co-defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges of violating Georgia's anti-racketeering law in relation to the 2020 election. The appeals court is expected to hear arguments in December, following the November presidential election.