Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, spoke out against her critics at a Black church in Marietta, Georgia, on Thursday. She did not name names but appeared to be referring to Donald Trump and other attackers who have criticized her investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia. Willis has faced criticism for her handling of the case, as well as for hiring a special prosecutor with whom she had a romantic relationship. She addressed the attacks and defended herself, stating that she is tired of being humiliated by others mispronouncing her name to mock her.
Trump has used the mispronunciation of Willis’ name to mock her, referencing her name as “fanny” in a derogatory manner. Willis, whose first name is pronounced FAH’-nee, explained that her father gave her the name Fani Taifa, which means “prosperous people” in Swahili. Trump’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Willis’ speech. Willis has been outspoken in response to her critics, but her statements have been criticized by defense attorneys for Trump and have drawn admonishment from the judge overseeing the case.
At a meeting of the Georgia AME church, Willis addressed the congregation, discussing the attacks against her but emphasizing that she remains focused on her work. She stated that she works diligently to hold all who break the law accountable, regardless of their status. The August indictment against Trump and others accuses them of participating in an illegal scheme to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia. Some defendants have pleaded guilty, while others, including Trump, have pleaded not guilty. The case is currently on hold as the Georgia Court of Appeals reviews whether Willis should remain on it.
Willis also took a jab at U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, accusing him of not fulfilling his purpose as an elected official. Jordan, who has questioned Willis’ motivations and demanded records from her office, did not respond to a request for comment. Defense attorneys for Trump and others have raised concerns about Willis’ statements at a Black church in January, claiming she inappropriately brought race and God into the case. Efforts to have Willis removed from the case or to have it dismissed entirely have been ongoing.
The removal effort against Willis began when it was revealed that she had a romantic relationship with a special prosecutor for the case. While the judge ruled that there was no conflict that warranted Willis’ removal, there was an “appearance of impropriety.” The special prosecutor resigned, and the Georgia Court of Appeals agreed to review the case. Trump’s legal team has requested oral arguments, while Willis’ team filed a motion to dismiss the appeal, citing insufficient evidence to support reversing the lower court’s decision. The case against Trump and the other defendants involved in the appeal is currently on hold.
