On the Verge of Giving Up: Trump Co-Defendants in Georgia Election Subversion Case Struggle with Legal Bills

In the election subversion case in Georgia, several of Donald Trump’s co-defendants are grappling with the escalating costs of mounting

Nik Richie

Sep 1, 2023

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In the election subversion case in Georgia, several of Donald Trump’s co-defendants are grappling with the escalating costs of mounting legal bills. As they seek various avenues to fund their legal defense, the financial burden stemming from the aftermath of the 2020 election may soon surpass their capacity to cover expenses.

At least four of these co-defendants have turned to online crowdfunding, successfully raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to finance their defense lawyers. One has established a political action committee (PAC) to aid in covering legal fees, while another enjoys support from a congressional ally vowing to back his legal defense. One individual even spent nearly a week in jail initially due to an inability to afford legal representation.

While Trump has covered the legal expenses of numerous aides, advisers, and employees amid investigations related to January 6, 2021, there is no indication yet that he intends to do the same for his co-defendants in the Georgia case. This case alleges that Trump and others were involved in a criminal conspiracy to undermine Georgia’s 2020 election results. Trump has publicly distanced himself from these co-defendants, claiming that he doesn’t know “a lot of these people” and highlighting their financial struggles.

A source close to Trump has conveyed that the Georgia defendants have not sought assistance from the former president so far. However, it is possible that a recently established legal defense fund for Trump’s associates could eventually extend its support to them.

Trump’s legal team formally requested a judge to separate his case from co-defendants who desire a swift trial, according to recent court filings.

Trump’s sons, Eric and Don Jr, have been actively involved in fundraising efforts for the legal defense fund created in July. This fund is intended to assist with the legal expenses of Trump’s associates and has started to receive financial pledges, according to sources.

As legal costs continue to mount, some defendants have sought alternative means of raising funds. Jenna Ellis, a right-wing attorney who represented Trump in 2020, has raised over $180,000 for her legal defense fund through a faith-based crowdfunding platform called GiveSendGo. Similarly, John Eastman, Trump’s election lawyer who championed the theory that then-Vice President Mike Pence could obstruct the election’s certification on January 6, 2021, has raised over $500,000 through the same platform. Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department official charged last week, has garnered more than $56,000 in support. Cathy Latham, a fake elector in Georgia, recently initiated a crowdfunding page following her indictment and has collected $15,000 in donations.