Georgia lawmakers are concerned about the lack of oversight over Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ $36.6 million budget. State Sen. Bill Cowsert questioned witnesses on how Willis receives and spends her funds. Fulton County Commissioner Robb Pitts and Chief Financial Officer Sharon Whittmore testified that Willis has broad discretion over taxpayer dollars, including hiring a special prosecutor and determining their pay. Cowsert expressed concern about the lack of oversight over the budget, as Fulton County has no control over how the funds are spent.
The Georgia Senate Special Committee on Investigations is looking into allegations of potential conflicts of interest and misuse of public funds by Willis. She indicted former President Trump on conspiracy charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. The findings of this probe could lead the Georgia legislature to reform laws or adjust the appropriations process to restore public confidence in the district attorney’s office. The committee has subpoena power to investigate Willis over allegations of hiring special prosecutor Nathan Wade due to their alleged romantic relationship.
In January, Trump co-defendant Michael Roman filed court documents alleging that Willis had an “improper” affair with Wade, whom she hired to help prosecute Trump. Willis denied the allegations, calling them “salacious,” but admitted to being friends with Wade since 2019. Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee ruled that either Willis or Wade must step aside for the case to proceed. Trump and his co-defendants were given permission to appeal the ruling. Trump and the co-defendants filed an appeal in March, and a decision from the Court of Appeals is expected later this month.
The special committee was formed in response to revelations of Willis’ affair with subordinate counsel, raising concerns about her impartiality. Trump and his attorneys have called for Willis to be disqualified and all charges against them dismissed. The committee, chaired by Cowsert, is focused on seeking the truth rather than pursuing a political witch hunt. Willis is up for re-election this year and has denied any wrongdoing. Lawmakers are investigating potential conflicts of interest and misuse of public funds by Willis in hopes of implementing reforms to restore public trust in the district attorney’s office.
Lawmakers questioned witnesses about the lack of oversight over Willis’ budget and her discretion in hiring a special prosecutor and determining their pay. Fulton County has no control over how Willis spends her funds, leading to concerns about transparency and accountability. The committee’s findings could lead to reforms in Georgia’s laws or appropriations process to prevent conflicts of interest and misuse of public funds in the future. The investigation into Willis’ actions, including her alleged affair with Nathan Wade, is ongoing, and a decision from the Court of Appeals on the case is expected in the coming weeks.
