Fani Willis, Fulton County District Attorney, is under fire for breaking open records laws while prosecuting Donald Trump.
Key Takeaways
- A judge ordered Fani Willis to pay over $54,000 for violating Georgia’s Open Records Act.
- Attorney Ashleigh Merchant sued Willis for non-compliance in releasing public records.
- Willis plans to appeal the judge’s order citing non-compliance claims.
Legal Repercussions for Fani Willis
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis faces significant legal challenges after being ordered to pay over $54,000 in attorneys’ fees for violating Georgia’s Open Records Act. A judge found Willis’ actions intentional and without good faith in the case against Donald Trump. Attorney Ashleigh Merchant, defending former Trump campaign staffer Michael Roman, filed the lawsuit for Willis’ failure to disclose requested public records. The lawsuit emerged as a last resort due to Willis’ repeated non-compliance.
Judge Rachel Krause identified Willis’ office as lacking substantial justification in handling the requests, which were described as openly hostile. Other testimony confirmed that Merchant’s requests were handled with hostility compared to others. These complications have now added to the surrounding controversy as Willis navigates the complexities of prosecuting former President Trump. The legal battle illustrates Willis’ strained professional credibility, amplifying calls for accountability for those in power.
BREAKING: Fani Willis has been ordered to pay $54,000 for breaking the law in President Trump's case
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was ordered by Superior Court Judge Rachel Krause to pay $54,264 in attorney fees for intentionally violating Georgia's Open Records… pic.twitter.com/ol8WlGcjUE
— MAGA Resource (@MAGAResource) March 18, 2025
Not Willis’ First Legal Setback
Back in the winter of 2024, Willis was disqualified from continuing her prosecution against Trump, mostly due to a conflict of interest involving her relationship with Nathan Wade, a former special counsel on the case. The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled that this association could create an appearance of impropriety, ultimately removing the Fulton County DA and her team from prosecuting Trump’s case. The ruling challenged Willis’ capacity to maintain impartiality and uphold ethical standards, which have once again come into question with this $54,000 fine.
Implications for Willis Moving Forward
Judge Krause has honored Merchant’s request, issuing an order that Willis gather all records and documents, as well as pay the $54,000 fine, within 30 days. Tensions and hostilities have been reported between Merchant and Willis’ team, adding more drama and uncertainty to the case moving forward.
A spokesperson for Willis has come out and stated that she will once again be appealing Krause’s ruling. The Fulton County DA’s legal complexities and controversies will only continue to grow if she remains true to her word.
Sources
1. Former Trump Prosecutor Fani Willis Ordered to Pay for Violating Open Records Laws
2. Judge says Fani Willis violated open records law, orders her to pay $54K in attorneys’ fees
