Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis delivered a combative defense of her failed prosecution of President Donald Trump and his allies during more than three hours of sworn testimony before a Georgia Senate investigative panel on Wednesday. Appearing for the first time under oath in the nearly two-year inquiry, Willis rejected accusations of misconduct tied to the election interference case, insisting the indictments were routine law enforcement decisions rather than politically motivated actions. “These 19 people deserved to be indicted,” she said, adding that prosecuting them was simply “another day of business.”
Willis acknowledged she did not formally vet former special prosecutor Nathan Wade before hiring him and confirmed they had a romantic relationship during the early stages of the case, a factor that later led to her disqualification. She said Wade was selected because her office was overwhelmed and lacked experienced trial lawyers. The hearing grew tense as Republican lawmakers questioned her judgment and alleged political coordination, charges Willis flatly denied while accusing the panel of pursuing partisan goals.
The case ultimately collapsed after the Georgia Court of Appeals ruled the relationship created an appearance of impropriety, and Judge Scott McAfee formally dismissed the prosecution in November. Despite the outcome and sharp exchanges, Willis stood by her decision, arguing the defendants were charged solely because crimes were committed. The Senate committee is expected to release its findings early next year.