Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has refused to testify before the Georgia state Senate investigation, calling it “unlawful.”
Earlier this year, the Georgia state Senate Republicans formed a special committee with the purpose of conducting a comprehensive investigation into the allegations of misconduct against Willis. She is currently prosecuting former President Donald Trump and 18 others who have been accused of attempting to overturn his 2020 election defeat in Georgia.
On May 6, Willis, a Democrat, confidently stated to reporters that she had not violated any laws whatsoever.
“I doubt they even have the power to summon me, but they could benefit from a better understanding of the law,” she remarked, emphasizing, “I refuse to comply with anything that goes against the law, and I have not violated any laws whatsoever.”
After Willis became involved in a scandal due to her romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor she had hired for the Trump case, a special committee was formed. Some argued that the relationship was inappropriate and should disqualify Willis from overseeing the case. However, she was permitted to stay on as long as Wade was no longer involved. Wade has since resigned, and the decision to retain Willis as the lead prosecutor is currently under appeal.
The committee held a hearing on May 3 to investigate Willis’ possible conflicts of interest and misuse of public funds. They have expressed their intention to enact new or amend existing laws that specifically address the district attorney.
Willis’ office was contacted by Newsweek for comment via email outside of business hours.
Willis expressed her frustration during a community event on Friday, stating that the ongoing investigation was causing significant harm to her business. According to a report by Atlanta News First, she described the situation as “messing up” her operations.
“Isn’t it fascinating how, now that we have a group of African American DAs, we suddenly need someone to dictate our actions?” Willis commented on Friday morning. “Feel free to include that in your sound bite for today. However, right now, my main focus is on connecting with my community, and this situation is really affecting my business.”
“They can look all they want,” she said defiantly. “The DA’s office has followed all the proper protocols and procedures. We are strictly adhering to the law. I understand that some people may get upset, but we are committed to holding everyone in society accountable for their actions.”
In an interview with Newsweek, Matthew Mangino, a former district attorney in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, expressed his views on the investigation, referring to it as “a fishing expedition.”
According to him, the direction of this investigation is uncertain. In the event that the legislative body wishes to remove Willis from his position, they have the option to file articles of impeachment, but only if there are legitimate grounds for impeachment. It is worth noting that the Republican Party currently holds control over the Georgia House. If the articles of impeachment are filed, the Senate would then proceed with a trial, where a two-thirds majority vote would be required for conviction and subsequent removal from office.
“It seems like they’re on a fishing expedition, perhaps hoping to find something to embarrass Willis. While they don’t have grounds for impeachment, in politics there’s always a chance to cause embarrassment.”
Georgia state Senator Bill Cowsert, an Athens Republican, stated to reporters after Friday’s hearing that Willis had been extended an open invitation to appear before the committee. However, he also mentioned that if she did not agree to testify willingly, she would be subpoenaed. This information was shared by Rahul Bali, a politics reporter for WABE News in Atlanta, on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Willis is facing her first reelection challenge this year in the May 21 primary. Her only competitor is Attorney Christian Wise Smith, who previously ran against her in 2020. Despite encountering criticism, a recent poll reveals that Willis has managed to grow her support since her initial election.
