Georgia Governor Brian Kemp Criticizes Calls to Discipline Fani Willis Over Trump Case as ‘Political Theatrics’

In his most emphatic rebuke yet, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp discredited attempts by members of his own party to take punitive action against Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. He referred to such efforts as “political theatrics that merely serve to heighten the current emotional atmosphere.”

Several Republicans, both in Washington and Georgia, have been vociferously criticizing Fani Willis, particularly after her indictment of former President Donald Trump for alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Governor Kemp asserted that any suggestions for a special legislative session aimed at either impeaching Willis or stripping her office of funding are misguided, stating that she has not done anything to justify her removal from office.

Governor Kemp, serving his second term, emphasized that a special session would not only disregard existing state law but also encroach upon the independence of another branch of government. “In the state of Georgia, under my governance, we will adhere strictly to the law and the Constitution, irrespective of its political consequences,” said Kemp in a press briefing at the state capital.

This is indicative of the continued rift between Governor Kemp and some factions within the Republican Party, stemming from Kemp’s refusal to support Trump’s unfounded claims about the 2020 election. Fulton County’s District Attorney Willis has charged Trump and 18 other individuals, including the former chair of the state’s Republican Party, with offenses related to these claims.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump has continued his relentless attacks on both Willis and Kemp. However, statistical data contradicts Trump’s assertions that violent crime rates in Atlanta are escalating.

Other Republicans from Georgia have not been reluctant to condemn Willis. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia stated, “Fani Willis will be losing her job; we will ensure it.” She spoke outside Fulton County Jail just before Trump arrived for booking procedures. That very day, House Republicans in Washington declared their own inquiry into Willis.

Several Republicans in Georgia have proposed constitutional amendments that would allow Governor Kemp to pardon Trump. However, these are considered unlikely to succeed. The Georgia General Assembly has not impeached any public official in over half a century, and given that Republicans lack the two-thirds majority in the state Senate needed to convict Willis, they would need Democratic support.

Kemp dismissed efforts by Republican State Senator Colton Moore, who began a petition for a self-called special session, as a “fundraising gimmick.” Moore’s petition would require signatures from three-fifths of both legislative houses, again necessitating some level of Democratic endorsement.

Georgia law, since the 1940s, has designated pardon power to a parole board, a system that would require constitutional changes and a two-thirds vote in both houses to alter. Kemp’s relationship with Trump has been fraught, making it unclear whether Kemp would utilize such a power even if he possessed it.

State House Speaker Jon Burns, another leading Georgia Republican, has also expressed opposition to a special session, arguing it would violate the principle of separation of powers.

Some Republicans are considering alternative approaches to seek Willis’s removal, including filing complaints with a newly formed state prosecutorial oversight commission. However, Kemp stated that he has not seen any evidence that would warrant such action against District Attorney Willis. “The final decision will rest with the commission,” Kemp concluded.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Brian Kemp denounces efforts against Fani Willis

More about Brian Kemp denounces efforts against Fani Willis

• Georgia Governor Brian Kemp’s Official Statement
• Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ Biography
• Overview of Georgia State Constitutional Amendments
• Statistical Data on Atlanta Crime Rates
• Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission in Georgia
• Timeline of Brian Kemp and Donald Trump Relationship
• Current State of the Republican Party in Georgia