A Georgia judge has set a deadline for the appointment of a new prosecutor in the election interference case against Donald Trump and others. This ruling follows the disqualification of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis due to concerns over an “appearance of impropriety.” Her romantic relationship with a prosecutor she hired triggered this decision.
Key Details from the Case
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee issued his ruling earlier this month. The Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council must appoint a new prosecutor or request an extension within 14 days. If they fail to do so, the case could be dismissed.
- Judge: Scott McAfee
- Deadline to appoint a new prosecutor: November 14
- Original Prosecutor: Fani Willis
- Other Individuals Charged: 14, including Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani
- Initial Indictment Date: August 2023
Concerns Raised by the Council
The executive director of the council, Pete Skandalakis, indicated that they have not yet received the case file. He projected that the file would arrive in about four weeks. Without it, Skandalakis stated he cannot effectively address questions about finding a replacement or conduct due diligence.
Historical Context
Willis previously announced charges against Trump and 18 others under Georgia’s anti-racketeering laws. This case is centered on allegations of a conspiracy to overturn Trump’s narrow defeat in the 2020 election.
The conflict of interest arose after it was revealed that Willis had a romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she appointed. This led to defense attorneys seeking her removal over potential biases.
Legal Proceedings and Outcomes
In March 2024, Judge McAfee criticized Willis for her judgment but did not rule her disqualified unless Wade resigned. He ultimately ruled that she could remain on the case, which Wade did shortly thereafter. However, the Georgia Court of Appeals reversed this ruling in December, stating that the relationship created an unacceptable “appearance of impropriety.” The appeals court declined to hear Willis’ appeal last month, placing the matter in the hands of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council.
As the appointed deadline approaches, the future of the case remains uncertain. Even if a new prosecutor steps forward, potential prosecution against Trump may be stalled while he remains in office. Meanwhile, other defendants, including Meadows and Giuliani, still face charges.
