Former U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking more than $6.2 million in attorney fees and legal costs from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ office, following the dismissal of Georgia’s high-profile election interference case against him and several co-defendants.
In a motion filed on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, Trump asked the court to award $6,261,613.08 under a Georgia law passed last year that allows defendants to recover legal costs if a prosecutor is disqualified for improper conduct and the case is subsequently dismissed. The statute directs a judge to review such requests and, if approved, order payment from the prosecutor’s office budget.
The election interference case was formally dropped in November, after Willis and her office were removed due to what appellate judges later described as an “appearance of impropriety.” The ruling stemmed from a romantic relationship Willis had with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she appointed to lead the case.
Background to the Disqualification
Willis secured a sweeping indictment in August 2023 against Trump and 18 others, invoking Georgia’s anti-racketeering law to allege a coordinated effort to overturn Trump’s narrow loss to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Prosecutors pointed to multiple actions, including Trump’s phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, in which he urged officials to help “find” enough votes to change the outcome. Four defendants later pleaded guilty.
However, the case took a dramatic turn in early 2024, when defense attorneys revealed that Willis had been in a romantic relationship with Wade. They argued the relationship created a conflict of interest and alleged that Willis benefited financially when Wade used income from the case to fund trips they took together.
During a widely watched evidentiary hearing, both Willis and Wade testified, acknowledging the relationship but denying any wrongdoing. They maintained that their romance began after Wade’s appointment and said they shared travel expenses.
Courts Intervene
In March 2024, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee criticized Willis for a “tremendous lapse in judgment” but stopped short of disqualifying her, ruling she could remain on the case if Wade resigned. Wade stepped down hours later.
Defense attorneys appealed, and in December, the Georgia Court of Appeals removed Willis from the prosecution, citing the appearance of impropriety. The Georgia Supreme Court later declined to review her appeal, clearing the way for the case to be reassigned.
Responsibility then shifted to the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, whose executive director, Pete Skandalakis, took over and dismissed the case less than two weeks later.
Trump’s Claim and Willis’ Response
Trump’s legal team argues the dismissal entitles him to full reimbursement.
“In accordance with Georgia law, President Trump has moved the Court to award reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred in his defense of the politically motivated, and now rightfully dismissed, case brought by disqualified DA Fani Willis,” said Steve Sadow, Trump’s lead Georgia attorney.
A spokesperson for Willis declined to comment on Trump’s filing. However, her office has already challenged similar claims made by other defendants, raising constitutional concerns about the fee-shifting law itself.
In a recent motion, Willis’ office warned that the statute “raises grave separation-of-powers concerns” by imposing potential financial liability on an elected constitutional officer for performing official duties. The filing also argues the law violates due process by retroactively burdening county taxpayers without offering them any recourse.
Willis’ motion further maintains that the prosecution was neither arbitrary nor political, emphasizing that it followed an “exhaustive investigation spanning years,” including recommendations from a special grand jury and an indictment issued by a regular grand jury.
What Comes Next
The judge overseeing the matter is expected to review Trump’s request and determine whether the claimed fees and costs are “reasonable” under Georgia law.
The outcome could have significant financial implications for the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office and may shape how future prosecutorial disqualifications are handled in the state.
