S9, Ep. 2: A force of nature

The spotlight falls on Fulton County DA Fani Willis, who is overseeing the investigation of former President Donald Trump and his allies. Plus, we explain what a special purpose grand jury does and doesn't do.

Episode 2 of the Breakdown podcast, hosted by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, titled "S9, Ep. 2: A force of nature" was published on July 14, 2025 and runs 41 minutes.

July 14, 2025 ·41m · Breakdown

Summary

The second episode of “The Trump Grand Jury,” the ninth season of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Breakdown podcast, focuses on the woman who is overseeing the investigation of former President Donald Trump and his allies. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis grew up in courtrooms, tagging along with her father, an attorney. When Willis became a prosecutor, she rose through the ranks at the Fulton DA’s Office prosecuting homicide and sexual assault cases. In 2014, Willis oversaw one of the most high-profile cases in state history: the Atlanta Public Schools test-cheating scandal. Thirty-five educators were indicted under the state’s racketeering laws. Many pleaded guilty and of the 12 who went to trial, 11 were convicted. “I’m still not totally sure how she did it, but she did it,” said Atlanta lawyer John Floyd, a racketeering law expert who assisted Willis in the test-cheating trial. “She was a bit of a force of nature in the sense that she was completely committed to the case.” Episode 2 will also explain exactly how a special purpose grand jury operates and what it can and cannot do. It will also tell listeners how they will know if, after it adjourns, it is recommending criminal charges be brought. You can download the Breakdown podcast from Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or your favorite podcasting platform. You can also stream it on your computer in the player above. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Description