The House Judiciary Committee has turned its spotlight on Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, scrutinizing her intentions behind the prosecution of former President Donald Trump. [Source]
The probe was initiated by a letter made public on Thursday from Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-OH. In the letter, Jordan addressed Willis, noting that her “indictment and prosecution carry significant federal implications.” Jordan’s apprehensions arise from doubts about whether the actions taken by Willis are driven by political motivations. [Source]
Jordan expressed surprise at the unusual media circuit undertaken by the forewoman of the special grand jury, set up by Willis for the Trump investigation. During her media appearances, the forewoman candidly conveyed her enthusiasm about the idea of subpoenaing Trump.
Chairman Jordan highlighted concerns about the timing of the indictment: “The timing of this prosecution raises questions about your motivation. In February 2021, news outlets reported that you directed your office to open an investigation into President Trump. Indeed, around February 11, 2021, your office reportedly sent letters to several Republican officials in Georgia, asking them to preserve documents relating to a “matter… of high priority” that your office was investigating,” he penned.
“However, you did not file charges until two and a half years later, during the heated campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. Furthermore, you have proposed that the trial for this case commence on March 4, 2024, the eve of Super Tuesday and merely eight days before the Georgia presidential primary. Given this, it’s not surprising that many believe the indictment and prosecution aim to influence the 2024 presidential election,” Jordan elaborated.
House Republicans are drawing comparisons between Willis’ investigation and that of the DOJ Special Counsel Jack Smith, shifting their focus to the oversight of Georgia state indictments.
In his letter, Jordan echoed this sentiment: “Fourth, there are questions regarding whether and how your office collaborated with DOJ Special Counsel Jack Smith during this investigation. Congress is concerned about any such activities involving federal law enforcement agencies and officials under its purview. Reports suggest that your office and Mr. Smith “interviewed many of the same witnesses and examined much of the same evidence” before deciding to indict President Trump.”
“The House Committee on the Judiciary might investigate the involvement of federal law enforcement agencies or officials in your inquiry or indictment. It might also explore if the DOJ expressed any reservations about the impact of your investigation on federal matters, and if so, how those were addressed,” Jordan added.
As for Trump, he is gearing up for a legal showdown with the Fulton County DA. He was booked and processed at the Fulton County Jail on Thursday evening. Fox News Digital reports that a court hearing is scheduled for the upcoming month, where he is anticipated to enter a plea of not guilty.
The House Judiciary Committee is urging the district attorney’s office for comprehensive disclosure. They are requesting extensive documentation related to the use of federal resources, communication logs with the Department of Justice, and any recorded cooperation with executive branch entities.
Willis’ office faces a looming deadline. They are mandated to provide all the requested materials by 10:00 a.m. on September 7.
The story continues to develop.