Donald Trump and his co-defendants are seeking $16.8 million in legal fees following the disqualification of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the Georgia election interference case.

Willis was removed from the case by a Georgia appeals court after questions arose about her conduct and potential conflicts of interest. The disqualification effectively halted the prosecution's momentum in what had been one of the most high-profile criminal cases against the former president.

A judge has blocked Willis' attempt to challenge her removal from the case, according to court filings. The ruling prevents Willis from pursuing further legal action to regain control of the prosecution.

The $16.8 million fee request represents legal costs accumulated by Trump and his co-defendants during the proceedings. The defendants argue they are entitled to reimbursement following Willis' disqualification and the case's subsequent complications.

The Georgia case centered on allegations that Trump and others attempted to interfere with the 2020 election results in the state. The case had been considered one of the most significant legal challenges facing Trump before Willis' removal disrupted the proceedings.

The status of the case remains uncertain following Willis' disqualification, with questions about whether another prosecutor will take over the matter or if the charges will be dropped entirely.