Fani Willis, the embattled Fulton County District Attorney who brought charges against President Trump, has been hit with a $54,000 fine for violating Georgia’s Open Records Act in a case that further undermines her credibility.
Quick Takes
- A Georgia court ordered DA Fani Willis to pay over $54,000 in attorney fees for violating Open Records Act requirements
- The violation involves Willis’ refusal to provide records to defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant, who represents Trump co-defendant Michael Roman
- The court described Willis’ office as “openly hostile” to document requests, demonstrating a “lack of good faith”
- Willis was previously disqualified from prosecuting the election case against President Trump due to impropriety related to her relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade
- Willis has 30 days to comply with the records request and pay the substantial fine
Court Delivers Sharp Rebuke to Fulton County DA
A Georgia court has delivered a significant blow to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, ordering her to pay $54,000 in attorney fees after determining her office violated the state’s Open Records Act. The violation stems from Willis’ failure to provide documents requested by defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant, who represents Michael Roman, a co-defendant in the ongoing election case against President Trump. The ruling highlights continuing legal troubles for Willis, who has already faced disqualification from prosecuting the case due to her controversial relationship with a former special prosecutor.
The court’s decision was particularly scathing regarding Willis’ approach to transparency, finding her office “openly hostile” to legitimate document requests. This characterization suggests a pattern of obstruction rather than an isolated oversight. Willis now has 30 days to not only provide all the requested records but also to pay the substantial financial penalty imposed by the court. The ruling represents a significant victory for Merchant, who has been persistent in seeking documentation related to the prosecution of her client.
Defense Attorney’s Persistence Pays Off
Ashleigh Merchant, whose law firm initially filed the Open Records Act request, has been a thorn in Willis’ side throughout the legal proceedings. Merchant’s requests specifically sought information regarding Willis’ office’s handling of the case against Roman and President Trump, including documentation about the appointment and compensation of Nathan Wade as special prosecutor. Willis’ office had characterized these requests as attempts to “undermine” the prosecution, but the court clearly disagreed with this assessment, viewing them as legitimate legal inquiries.
Ashleigh Merchant wrote, “Proud that we have judges willing to hold people in power accountable when they ignore the law!!!”
Merchant’s victory extends beyond just obtaining the records; it validates her persistent questioning of Willis’ conduct and decision-making in handling the high-profile case. The attorney has successfully exposed vulnerabilities in the prosecution’s approach, first by revealing Willis’ romantic relationship with Wade, which led to the DA’s disqualification, and now by forcing compliance with records transparency laws that govern public officials. This ruling affirms that even powerful prosecutors must adhere to laws designed to ensure accountability.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ office must pay more than $54,000 in attorneys’ fees and turn over documents it withheld for months in violation of Georgia’s Open Records Act. #gapolhttps://t.co/BXSiiQvzxK
— Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) March 18, 2025
Continuing Legal Challenges for Willis
The $54,000 fine comes amid ongoing appeals by Willis to overturn her disqualification from the case against President Trump and 18 co-defendants. Willis has maintained that her removal was unjustified, arguing in her appeal that the disqualification was based solely on the appearance of impropriety rather than actual conflict or misconduct. Her appeal particularly emphasizes that no Georgia court has previously disqualified a district attorney under such circumstances.
“No Georgia court has ever disqualified a district attorney for the mere appearance of impropriety without the existence of an actual conflict of interest,” said Fani Willis
Adding to Willis’ legal concerns, the Georgia Senate has passed legislation that could further impact the case. The bill would allow President Trump and his co-defendants to seek reimbursement for legal expenses if a district attorney is disqualified due to misconduct and the case is subsequently dismissed. This development, coupled with the recent fine and ongoing appeals, places Willis in an increasingly precarious position as the legal proceedings continue. The future of the case against President Trump in Georgia remains uncertain as these legal challenges unfold.
