A judge has ruled that the Georgia state Senate can subpoena Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis as part of an inquiry into potential misconduct during her prosecution of President-elect Donald Trump. The ruling allows Willis to contest the demands if she believes they are overly broad.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram issued the order, giving Willis until Jan. 13 to argue whether the subpoenas seek legally protected or confidential information. Ingram will issue a final order specifying what Willis must respond to.
Willis plans to appeal the ruling, stating that it is incorrect. Former Georgia Gov. Roy Barnes, representing Willis, expressed the intention to challenge the decision.
Earlier this month, a state appeals court removed Willis from the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and others due to an 'appearance of impropriety' stemming from her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. The court cited the need to restore public confidence in the proceedings.
The Republican-led Senate committee issued subpoenas to Willis in August, seeking her testimony and documents related to her prosecution of Trump and others over the 2020 election. The committee was formed to investigate allegations of misconduct by Willis, particularly focusing on her hiring of Wade as the special prosecutor.
Willis' attorney argued that the Senate committee lacked the authority to subpoena her and that the demands were overly broad and unrelated to a legitimate legislative purpose. The committee sought confidential, privileged, and personal information.
Despite Willis' challenge, she missed a hearing in mid-September where the committee intended to question her. In October, the committee asked the court to compel Willis to comply with the subpoenas to complete its inquiry and make recommendations.
While a previous ruling found a 'tremendous lapse in judgment' by Willis but did not disqualify her, the current legal battle continues. The legislative term is set to end soon, but plans are in place to reestablish the committee in the next session.
Republican lawmakers are determined to hold Willis accountable and ensure she provides testimony and documents to the committee. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with the Senate committee pushing for transparency and accountability in the case.
