Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Fani Willis

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Fani Willis.

Fani Taifa Willis is an American attorney currently serving as the district attorney of Fulton County, Georgia, since 2021. Notably, she is the first woman to hold this position in Fulton County, which encompasses the majority of Atlanta. Her career is centered around law and public service within the Fulton County legal system.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2020: Investigated 2020 Presidential Election in Georgia

In 2020, Fani Willis investigated the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, leading to indictments against Donald Trump and others. This investigation began during her tenure as District Attorney.

February 10, 2021: Launched Criminal Investigation into Trump's Election Influence Attempts

On February 10, 2021, Fani Willis launched a criminal investigation into Donald Trump's attempts to influence Georgia election officials.

January 2022: Requested Special Grand Jury for Election Interference Charges

In January 2022, Fani Willis requested a special grand jury to consider charges of election interference by Donald Trump and his allies.

2022: Allegations of Misuse of Federal Grant Funding

In 2022, an employee in the Fulton County District Attorney's Office alleged that Fani Willis fired her for uncovering plans to misuse federal grant funding, sparking controversy.

January 9, 2023: Special Grand Jury Dissolved

On January 9, 2023, the special grand jury investigating election interference completed its work and was dissolved after hearing from 75 witnesses.

August 14, 2023: Indictment of Trump and Others on 41 Charges

On August 14, 2023, Fani Willis' office indicted Donald Trump and 18 others on 41 charges, including 13 charges against Trump.

2023: Used RICO Statute to Prosecute Donald Trump

As of 2023, Fani Willis is using Georgia's RICO statute to prosecute former president Donald Trump and 18 alleged co-conspirators.

January 8, 2024: Motion to Disqualify Willis Filed

On January 8, 2024, a defendant filed a pre-trial motion to dismiss the indictment and disqualify Fani Willis and her office from prosecuting the RICO case, citing a conflict of interest due to her relationship with Nathan Wade.

February 15, 2024: Evidentiary Hearing on Willis' Disqualification Begins

On February 15, 2024, Judge Scott F. McAfee began an evidentiary hearing to consider the motion to disqualify Fani Willis due to her relationship with Nathan Wade.

May 2024: Georgia Court of Appeals to Hear Appeal on Willis' Removal

In May 2024, the Georgia Court of Appeals agreed to hear an appeal to revisit whether Fani Willis should be removed from the Trump case due to her relationship with Nathan Wade.

2024: Charges Against Trump Quashed

In 2024, Judge Scott McAfee quashed 6 charges, including 3 against Donald Trump, in the case brought by Fani Willis's office, while giving prosecutors the option to refile these charges.

2024: House Judiciary Committee Subpoenaed Willis

In 2024, the House Judiciary Committee subpoenaed Fani Willis regarding a whistleblower complaint from a former employee about alleged misuse of federal funds.

January 8, 2025: Willis' Office Ordered to Pay Judicial Watch

On January 8, 2025, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney ordered Fani Willis's office to pay over $20,000 to Judicial Watch for falsely claiming they did not possess documents showing communication with the United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack.

September 16, 2025: Supreme Court of Georgia Denied Certiorari

On September 16, 2025, the Supreme Court of Georgia denied certiorari in the appeal regarding Fani Willis' disqualification from the Trump case, finalizing the Fulton County DA's office's disqualification.