Former Georgia Official and Journalist Summoned to Testify in Grand Jury Investigation of Trump’s Efforts to Overturn Election Results
A former Georgia official and a journalist have been called to testify before a Fulton County grand jury investigating alleged efforts by former President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia. Former Georgia Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, a Republican, confirmed in an interview on CNN that he has been requested to testify. He later tweeted about it, stating that he looks forward to answering their questions around the 2020 election.
The investigation stems from Trump’s alleged attempts to pressure Duncan and other Georgia officials to convene a special legislative session to overturn the state’s election results after losing the election. Both Duncan and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, also a Republican, declined the alleged request. The investigation gained momentum after the release of a recorded phone call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on January 2, 2021, where Trump asked to find “11,780 votes, which is one more than we have.”
The probe has since expanded to include a range of efforts to overturn Georgia’s election results, including an alleged scheme to substitute then-President-elect Joe Biden’s electoral college votes from the state with a slate of alternate, or “fake,” electors. Journalist George Chidi has also been summoned to appear before the grand jury.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ office has not commented on the requests for grand jury appearances. Willis previously indicated in letters to the county’s chief judge and sheriff that potential indictments in the case could be expected between July 31 and August 18.
Former President Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged in the case. He has accused Willis, a Democrat, of investigating him for political gain. Trump’s attorney, Jennifer Little, stated in a recent interview that they do not believe Trump did anything wrong and will vigorously fight any potential indictments.
Earlier this month, Trump was indicted by federal special counsel Jack Smith in the Justice Department’s separate investigation into Trump’s alleged interference with the 2020 election results. He pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy, obstruction, and conspiracy against rights.
The grand jury investigation serves as another chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s actions surrounding the 2020 election, highlighting the potential legal consequences he may face.