Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been permanently removed from prosecuting President Donald Trump’s Georgia election case.
The Georgia Supreme Court declined to hear her appeal in a narrow 4-3 decision.
Background
The Georgia indictment was one of four criminal cases filed against Trump in 2023.
Donald Trump
Two federal prosecutions were dropped after his election victory.
In New York, Trump was convicted on 34 counts in a hush money case but received no punishment.
The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled in December that Willis and her office were disqualified.
The decision cited an “appearance of impropriety” over her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.
Nathan Wade
Wade resigned earlier this year, but the controversy persisted.
Georgia Supreme Court Decision
On Tuesday, the state’s highest court refused to review the appeals court ruling.
One justice recused himself, while another was disqualified.
The outcome permanently bars Willis from continuing with the Trump case.
Willis Statement
Willis said she disagreed with the decision but respects the process.
Fani Willis
She pledged to turn over files and evidence to the council.
“I hope whoever is assigned will do what the law demands,” she said.
Trump’s Reaction
Trump’s attorney Steve Sadow welcomed the ruling.
“Willis’ misconduct was egregious and she deserved disqualification,” Sadow said.
Trump himself called it “a great decision” and blasted the case as “rigged.”
Co-Defendants
Jeff Clarke, a former DOJ official charged under RICO, also praised the decision.
“Praise the Lord for progress in this case,” Clarke said.
He argued the prosecution “never should have been brought.”
Fourteen other defendants still face charges under the state RICO indictment.
That includes former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Giuliani’s attorney said he is “cautiously optimistic” the case will be dropped.
Next Steps
The case now moves to the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia.
Executive director Pete Skandalakis said he will begin the search for a replacement prosecutor.
He admitted it may take time to find someone willing to handle such a complex case.
A new prosecutor could continue all charges, pursue fewer counts, or dismiss the case altogether.
Finding someone to commit resources and political capital could prove difficult.
Even if the case continues, Trump is now protected as the sitting president.
