A Georgia prosecutor does not believe former President Donald Trump’s attorneys’ presidential immunity argument will hold up amid an investigation into his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) told CNN, “Of course, I’ve given thought to if — that that may be raised as a legal issue.”
She added, “I don’t think that that protection will prevent a prosecution if that becomes necessary in this state case.”
CNN noted Willis has been looking into whether the former president and his allies have committed any crimes to convince officials in Georgia to investigate fraud and give Trump a win in the state.
Additionally, the outlet pointed out the investigation began following Trump’s call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. During the call, Trump told him to “find” votes to overturn the results.
“You and I have listened to that phone call. But also I have the benefit of also having talked to a lot of witnesses and probably having read more on this than most people would like to,” Willis said.
Willis explained she is not concerned Trump will attempt to delay the investigation. The prosecutor said she would “use the power of the law” when grand jury proceedings begin this spring.
“This is a criminal investigation. We’re not here playing a game,” Willis said. “I plan to use the power of the law. We are all citizens.”
She continued, “Mr. Trump, just as every other American citizen, is entitled to dignity. He’s entitled to be treated fairly. He will be treated fairly in this jurisdiction. But I plan to do my job and my job is to make sure that we get the evidence that gives us the truth. I’m not concerned at all about games to delay this.”
According to CNN, the Fulton County Superior Court judges approved Willis’ request last month to seat a special grand jury to investigate Trump’s behavior during his presidency.
Willis told CNN she plans on issuing subpoenas in May.
“Most of them will probably start to come in a heavier flow, for lack of a better word, in June and later months, but we will certainly start to do some in May,” Willis said.
She added, “The special-purpose grand jury not only has the power to subpoena witnesses to come to testify, but also other evidence that may be relevant, whether that’s emails, letters, phone calls, whatever you could imagine.”
Willis’ team has identified more than 100 potential witnesses related to the probe, as CNN reported.
“When I sit down, I will have done everything that I know how to do to bring a fair and true picture. And so they’re welcome to their opinions,” Willis said.
She continued, “But while I sit here as the elected DA, we’re going to do things so that the American public can be confident we did everything we knew how to do to bring justice.”
Last month, Trump’s attorneys argued the statements made by Trump and others before the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol were protected speech and in line with their duties, as ABC News reported.
