FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled Monday to block intervention by District Attorney Fani Willis in the legal battle over paying attorneys fees related to the indictment of President Donald Trump.
The president, some of his co-defendants and their attorneys are in the midst of seeking more than $16 million, collectively, in legal fee recovery due to the dismissal of the indictment.
In her role as DA, Willis was seeking to prevent the payment of the $16 million citing, among other reasons, how it would impact the office’s budget and subsequent ability to perform its duties.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
RELATED STORIES:
- ‘Just wrong’: DA Fani Willis responds to former election defendants trying to get back legal fees
- President Trump files motion demanding $6.2 million in back legal fees over Georgia case
- Fulton taxpayers could have to foot $10 million bill after case dropped against Pres. Trump
- Dismissed case against Pres. Trump could cost Fulton County millions
- GA Supreme Court may rule on Willis disqualification appeal in election interference case today
However, Judge McAfee ruled against Willis’ involvement in this portion of the case, citing his own previous rulings that removed her as prosecutor in the legal fight.
Responding to the decision, Attorney Steve Sadow, who represented the president, described the decision as proper.
“Judge McAfee has properly denied DA Willis’ motion to intervene in POTUS’ action for reimbursement of attorney fees because her disqualification for improper conduct bars Willis and her office from any further participation in this dismissed, lawfare case,” Sadow said.
McAfee ruled to have each hearing for potential awarding of legal fees to be handled individually.
In response to the lawsuit, a DA’s office spokesman said “We believe hte decision is wrong and we have already filed a notice of appeal.”
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2026 Cox Media Group
