Georgia’s Senate has passed a bill letting President Trump seek compensation for legal bills from his election case. The measure targets Fulton County DA Fani Willis’ probe into alleged 2020 vote meddling now mired in delays. It’s a win for Trump who calls the case a witch hunt meant to drain his resources and tarnish his name.
The bill sailed through with a 31-18 vote backed by GOP leaders fed up with Willis’ two-year investigation. It lets defendants claim costs if probes collapse or get tossed for misconduct with Trump eyeing millions. His team says it’s justice after what they call a baseless attack on his landslide Georgia win.
Willis indicted Trump and 18 others in 2023 over efforts to overturn Biden’s narrow victory in the state. Four took pleas but the case stalled as Trump’s lawyers pushed to disqualify Willis over ethics lapses. The Senate’s move signals growing pushback against what some see as lawfare aimed at political foes.
Trump has spent over 10 million dollars defending this and other suits per his campaign tying it to donor cash. The bill’s backers argue taxpayers shouldn’t fund vendettas while Willis vows to press on. Her office labels the law a gift to rich defendants dodging accountability for illegal acts.
Georgia’s GOP flipped the state red in 2024 riding Trump’s coattails and fury at urban prosecutors like Willis. This bill taps that wave letting cleared targets like Trump hit back at legal bills that cripple most folks. Critics warn it could chill valid cases if DAs fear payback suits from deep-pocketed players.
The measure needs House approval and Governor Kemp’s sign-off with both expected by summer given GOP control. Trump’s camp is already tallying costs from private counsel and expert witnesses for a claim. Willis faces her own woes with a state probe into her handling of the sprawling indictment.
Legal scholars split on whether it’s fair play or a shield for the powerful with Trump as the test case. His base sees vindication after years of probes they deem rigged by partisan hacks. The law could set a precedent nationwide if other red states copy Georgia’s blueprint.
For average Georgians it’s a mixed bag as Trump’s win lifts spirits but legal fights sap public faith. Willis’ case once seemed a slam dunk but now teeters as Trump turns the tables. This bill may close one chapter though his battles with the law are far from over.
Coverage Details
| Total News Sources | 42 |
| Left | 11 |
| Right | 18 |
| Center | 9 |
| Unrated | 4 |
| Bias Distribution | 43% Right |
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