Georgia Supreme Court Blocks Fulton D.A. Willis’ Return to Trump Case

The Georgia Supreme Court has declined to hear Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ appeal of her removal from the 2020 election interference case against former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants.

In a 4-3 ruling, the justices upheld a lower court’s December 2024 decision disqualifying Willis due to her romantic relationship with Special Assistant District Attorney Nathan Wade, whom she appointed to the case. Writing for the majority, Justice Andrew Pinson said the case did not present “a question of gravity” warranting further review.

The decision leaves the case in the hands of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, which will decide whether to appoint a new prosecutor. Executive Director Peter Skandalakis could assign another DA or take the case himself.

Justice Carla Wong McMillian dissented, noting the state’s high court could have provided important clarity in the complex matter.

Willis said she disagreed with the ruling but respected the process, adding she hoped her successor would pursue the case “with the courage to do what the evidence and the law demand.”

Trump called the decision “a great ruling” and again dismissed the case as politically motivated. His lead defense attorney, Steve Sadow, said the outcome affirmed Willis’ “egregious misconduct” and should mark the end of what he described as political persecution.

Trump was indicted in Fulton County in August 2023 on racketeering charges tied to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia, which he lost to Joe Biden.