The high-profile case brought by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office against former President Donald Trump and his allies over alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 Georgia election has entered a turbulent new phase. The reason: the disqualification of District Attorney Fani Willis and the unexpected appointment of Pete Skandalakis to take over the prosecution.
Background
In August 2023, Willis filed charges under Georgia’s racketeering statute (RICO) against Trump and 18 other individuals, alleging a broad scheme to subvert the state’s 2020 presidential election results.
However, in December 2024 the Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified Willis and her office from the case, citing the “appearance of impropriety” stemming from her romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade.
The state Supreme Court declined in September 2025 to review that decision, cementing her removal.
New Prosecutor Takes Charge
With Willis out, no prosecuting office appeared willing to handle the politically charged case. Ultimately, the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia’s executive director Pete Skandalakis stepped in, effectively appointing himself to lead the matter.
Skandalakis has inherited more than 100 banker-boxes of documents and an 8-terabyte hard drive of investigative materials from Willis’s office.
He has noted that he will review the case before deciding whether to proceed—or possibly drop the charges entirely.
What’s at Stake
- For Trump and co-defendants: While Trump, as a sitting president, faces complicated state-level prosecution logistics, the remaining 14 co-defendants still carry exposure under Georgia law.
- For Georgia law and precedent: Willis’s removal over appearance issues marks a significant shift in state jurisprudence on prosecutorial disqualification.
- For public confidence: The chain of custody, office transitions, and delays raise questions about the case’s viability and credibility.
What Comes Next
- Skandalakis will continue reviewing all evidence and documents handed over from Willis’s team.
- A determination will follow on whether the state proceeds with prosecution or abandonment.
- Legal observers expect motion practice, possibly a dismissal motion, given the disruption and change in prosecutorial leadership.
- The timing and venue of any remaining trial are now highly uncertain.
Why This Matters
The case is more than a legal proceeding: it touches how election integrity, prosecutorial ethics, and political accountability intersect. The sudden shift in leadership and the attendant disruption may affect not only the individuals involved, but also broader public perception of Georgia’s judiciary and prosecutorial impartiality
