The Georgia Court of Appeals on Monday canceled scheduled oral arguments in President-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to disqualify Fulton County Prosecutor Fani Willis of the 2020 election interference case against Trump and 14 others.
In a brief order, the court said the Dec. 5 oral argument was canceled “until further orders of this court.”
Willis, a veteran prosecutor, filed charges against Trump, some of his former campaign and administration officials and others in August 2023 for their alleged efforts to overthrow the results in Georgia of the 2020 presidential election that he lost to President Joe Biden. Four of the accused pleaded guilty.
Georgia Court Cancels Hearing in Trump Case
-On Monday, the Georgia Court of Appeals canceled a planned hearing about Donald Trump’s request to remove Fulton County Prosecutor Fani Willis from a case against him. The hearing was originally scheduled for December 5, but the court said it is now on hold until further notice.
What Is the Case About?
Fani Willis, a prosecutor in Georgia, filed charges in August 2023 against Trump and 14 others. The charges claim they tried to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, which Trump lost to Joe Biden. Four of the people accused have already pleaded guilty.
This case is about racketeering, which means working together to break the law. It’s currently paused while the court decides if Willis should stay on the case.
Why Does Trump Want Willis Removed?
Trump says Willis shouldn’t be in charge of the case because of her personal relationship with Nathan Wade, a top prosecutor she hired to help with the case. Trump argues this relationship makes it hard for her to be fair.
In March, a judge said Willis could stay on the case if Wade resigned, which he did right away. The court allowed some work on the case to continue while Trump’s appeal to remove Willis was reviewed.
What Could Happen Next?
Trump has said he might stop cases against him if he becomes president. However, legal experts say that while a president could influence federal cases, they would have much less control over state cases like this one in Georgia.
Fani Willis, who is leading this case, was re-elected for another term in November, meaning she will likely continue working on it.
For now, the case remains on hold as the courts decide what to do next.