A ruling from a Fulton County judge has dealt another significant blow to District Attorney Fani Willis in her ongoing legal struggle against former President Donald Trump. On Monday, Judge Scott McAfee determined that Willis cannot engage in a legal battle regarding Trump and his co-defendants’ quest to reclaim millions in attorney fees from the failed racketeering case.
Judge McAfee’s reasoning was clear: since Willis is “wholly disqualified” from the prosecution, she cannot participate in disputes over the $16.8 million in fees being sought. Trump has claimed more than $6.2 million in fees stemming from legal costs associated with the case brought by Willis, who charged him and his co-defendants with conspiring to unlawfully overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. This ruling represents a notable step in Trump’s ongoing resistance to the charges, which he has characterized as part of a “witch hunt.”
The attempt to recover legal fees hinges on a state law passed in 2025, allowing defendants to be reimbursed for costs when prosecutors are disqualified. While Atlanta’s Fulton County could be financially responsible for any reimbursements since the funds would impact its budget, Willis argued her involvement was necessary to ensure proper due process. Her lawyers contended that without her participation, the process would deny her a chance to contest the alleged fees.
Trump’s lead attorney, Steve Sadow, expressed support for McAfee’s order, reinforcing that Willis’ disqualification excludes her from any involvement. Sadow asserted, “Judge McAfee has properly denied DA Willis’ motion to intervene in POTUS’ action for reimbursement of attorney fees because her disqualification for improper conduct bars Willis and her office from any further participation in this dismissed, lawfare case.”
The roots of this ruling stretch back to August 2023 when Willis initiated a sweeping Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) case against Trump and 18 co-defendants, alleging they conspired to meddle with the electoral process. The prosecution has faced considerable challenges, with many charges either dismissed or resolved through plea deals. The most damaging development for Willis occurred in 2024, when the Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified her due to an undisclosed romantic relationship with her lead prosecutor, Nathan Wade—a fact that created a severe conflict of interest.
This disqualification shifted the case’s control to the Georgia Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council, led by director Peter Skandalakis. His judgment led to the dismissal of Willis’s case, as he reasoned, “the citizens of Georgia are not served by pursuing this case in full for another five to ten years.” Willis’s previously formidable prosecution now appears weakened, making the latest ruling an emblematic moment in the saga that has captivated political observers.
As the case continues to unfold, Judge McAfee’s decision demonstrates the intricate interplay between law and the ethical obligations of prosecutors, presenting a cautionary tale for those in similar positions. The situation underscores how swiftly fortunes can change in high-stakes legal battles, especially amid accusations of misconduct. With Trump and his co-defendants positioning themselves for potential recoveries, Willis may find her challenges growing steeper yet.
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