New Prosecutor Takes Over Georgia Election Case Against Trump

ATLANTA, Ga. — The high-profile racketeering case involving former President Donald Trump and several allies is now under new leadership. Peter Skandalakis, director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, has taken over the case following the removal of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis due to a legal conflict.

Skandalakis confirmed his new role on Friday morning. “This morning, an Administrative Order appointing me to the case of State of Georgia v. Donald J. Trump, et al. was filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court of Fulton County,” he stated. He noted that he had difficulty finding another prosecutor willing to take the case after contacting multiple colleagues.

This indictment case began in August 2023 after Willis launched a lengthy investigation into potential election interference by Trump and his allies in Georgia. The investigation followed a controversial phone call where Trump urged Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find” votes to overturn the 2020 election results.

Trump faces charges along with 18 co-defendants under the state’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, similar to federal charges used to target organized crime. Prosecutors allege that the defendants conspired to change the election outcome illegally.

Defense attorney Steve Sadow, representing Trump, expressed confidence that the case will ultimately be dismissed. He stated, “This politically charged prosecution has to come to an end, and we remain confident in a fair review.”

The case has faced significant legal twists, including the disqualification of Willis due to an appearance of impropriety linked to a romantic relationship with a special prosecutor involved in the case. In March 2024, a judge ruled that while there was no direct conflict, the relationship created issues that warranted her removal.

As the legal proceedings continue, Skandalakis has received a vast volume of evidence from the earlier investigation, including over 101 banker boxes of documents and an 8-terabyte hard drive. How he will proceed remains unclear, but he emphasized the importance of a transparent process.

As the new prosecutor, Skandalakis holds the discretion to follow Willis’ initial vision or to make changes as necessary. Other high-profile defendants include former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and Rudy Giuliani.

Willis’ office has not commented since the transition. As the case advances, it remains to be seen what direction this politically charged trial will take.