Georgia recently passed a law that could force Fulton County taxpayers to reimburse Donald Trump and his co-defendants for millions in legal fees after the election-interference case was dismissed. Estimates suggest claims could reach $10 million or more, though no payouts have been finalized yet CBS News The Hill san.com.
Case Collapse, Costly Consequences
Fulton County’s election‑interference case against Donald Trump and 18 co‑defendants was dismissed after DA Fani Willis was disqualified. That dismissal triggered Georgia’s new SB 244 law, which allows defendants to demand reimbursement of “reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.”
What’s Happening
- Case dismissed: The sprawling Georgia election-interference case against Trump and 18 co-defendants was dropped in late November 2025 after Fulton County DA Fani Willis was disqualified due to a conflict of interest san.com.
- New law (SB 244 / GA Code §17-11-6): Passed earlier this year, it allows defendants to seek reimbursement of “reasonable attorney’s fees and costs” if a prosecutor is disqualified and charges are dismissed The Hill san.com.
- Potential claims: Trump’s legal team alone spent more than $5.5 million in Georgia since 2021. Co-defendants collectively spent millions more, with some raising funds through crowdfunding CBS News.
- Taxpayer impact: Fulton County could be liable for millions, possibly tens of millions, depending on how many defendants file claims and what a judge approves CBS News The Hill.
The Price Tag
- Trump: $5.5M+ in Georgia legal fees
- GOP “fake electors”: $2.3M
- Harrison Floyd: $363K (crowdfunded)
- John Eastman: $937K (crowdfunded)
- Jeff Clark: $153K (crowdfunded)
- Total exposure: $10M+ and counting
Taxpayer Impact
Defendants have 45 days to file claims. Judge Scott McAfee will decide payouts. While Trump’s attorney insists reimbursements come from the DA’s budget, critics argue taxpayers ultimately foot the bill.
Risks & Fallout
- Unprecedented precedent: Rarely are criminal defendants reimbursed.
- Political fallout: Though bipartisan, the law is widely seen as Trump‑specific.
- Budget strain: Fulton County faces millions in potential payouts.
Risks & Considerations
- Unprecedented law: Reimbursing criminal defendants is rare in U.S. law, raising questions about fairness and precedent san.com.
- Political fallout: The measure was passed with bipartisan support but is widely seen as tailored to Trump’s case The Hill san.com.
- Uncertain totals: No official accounting yet of Fulton County’s own prosecution costs, which could add significantly to taxpayer exposure CBS News.
In short: Georgia’s dismissal of the Trump case has opened the door for Trump and co-defendants to demand millions back in legal fees. Whether taxpayers ultimately foot the bill depends on how judges interpret the new law and the claims filed in the coming weeks.
Sources: CBS News The Hill san.com
Advocacy Framing
This is more than a budget issue, it’s a democracy issue. Georgia’s taxpayers may soon bankroll the defense of those accused of undermining democratic institutions. Communities must mobilize to demand transparency, fiscal responsibility, and ethical leadership.
Call to Action:
Share this story. Demand accountability. Ask why public funds should defend those accused of attacking democracy.