Fulton DA Says Trump Attorney Fees Would Wipe Out Budget

Fani Willis argues $17 million in legal fees requested by Trump and allies is an "absurd" and "preposterous" sum.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis says she should not have to pay nearly $17 million in legal fees to former President Donald Trump and his allies after her prosecution against them fell flat. In a new filing, Willis argues that having to pay such a "preposterous sum" would wipe out her office's annual budget. She also said the 2025 Georgia law that allows defendants to bill for costs is vaguely worded and cannot be applied retroactively.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between prosecutors and defendants over legal fees, with concerns raised about the constitutionality of the new Georgia law that allows defendants to recoup costs. It also raises questions about the impact on local budgets and the ability of prosecutors to pursue cases against high-profile figures.

The details

The bills submitted by Trump and his allies include luxury hotel stays, expensive seafood lunches, and work unrelated to the case, according to Willis. She argued that the "absurdly preposterous" sum they are requesting could strip the Fulton County District Attorney's office of its entire annual budget.

  • The 2025 Georgia law that allows defendants to bill for costs was passed in the years leading up to the 2020 presidential election, when Trump and his allies were making widespread claims of election fraud.
  • The FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago, a Trump property, occurred in 2020 and was cited by many of the defendants in their affidavits asserting interference in the election.

The players

Fani Willis

The Fulton County District Attorney who prosecuted the case against Donald Trump and his allies.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who was a defendant in the Fulton County case.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.