Oral arguments for former President Donald Trump and his co-defendants’ appeal to disqualify prosecutor Fani Willis have been tentatively set for October 4. This scheduling indicates that Trump’s trial for alleged election interference in Georgia is unlikely to begin before the 2024 presidential election. A docket notice sent to defense counsel confirmed the tentative date, with a final calendar to be issued later.
Chris Timmons, an ABC News contributor and former Georgia prosecutor, commented on the October hearing, stating it virtually ensures Trump will not face trial before the 2024 election. Last August, Trump and 18 co-defendants pleaded not guilty to charges in a broad racketeering indictment related to alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia. Trump has consistently criticized the district attorney’s investigation, labeling it politically motivated. Last month, the appeals court agreed to hear the appeal from Trump and his co-defendants, challenging a decision that allowed Willis to remain on the case despite revelations of her romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, another prosecutor involved. Wade resigned following the disclosure.
Judge Scott McAfee, overseeing the case, has pledged to move the proceedings forward even as the appeal progresses. The indictment alleges that Trump and his co-defendants engaged in a nationwide campaign to influence state leaders, harass and deceive a Georgia election worker, and propagate false claims that the election was stolen. Their alleged goal was to keep Trump in office. Key figures in the alleged conspiracy include Trump’s former chief of staff, Mark Meadows, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and attorney John Eastman. The indictment charges that members of the alleged conspiracy falsely testified before the Georgia state legislature, claiming widespread election fraud and asserting the authority to appoint their own electors.
Trump attorney Steve Sadow expressed confidence in their appeal, stating, “President Trump looks forward to presenting interlocutory arguments to the Georgia Court of Appeals as to why the case should be dismissed and Fulton County DA Willis should be disqualified for her misconduct in this unjustified, unwarranted political persecution.”
The case has seen its share of controversy beyond the legal allegations. Whistleblowers testified before the U.S. House Oversight Committee, claiming Willis redirected funds intended for an anti-gang unit to support her Trump investigation. Wade, who was paid at least $700,000 for two years of work, resigned in March after Judge McAfee ruled that either Willis or Wade needed to step down from the case due to a “significant appearance of impropriety” linked to their romantic relationship. Following Wade’s resignation, Willis and her team were permitted to continue on the case.
As the October 4 hearing approaches, the legal battle over Trump’s alleged election interference in Georgia remains a highly charged and closely watched affair. The outcome of the appeal could significantly impact the timeline and proceedings of the case, adding another layer of complexity to an already contentious situation.
