WASHINGTON — At least one of Donald Trump’s co-defendants in his Georgia case over alleged attempts to steal the 2020 election is wondering why his legal defense fund isn’t helping her and others ensnared in his indictment.
“I was reliably informed Trump isn’t funding any of us who are indicted,” said former Trump attorney Jenna Ellis on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. “Would this change if he becomes the nominee? Why then, not now?”
Officials with the Trump campaign and the pro-Trump political action committee, Make America Great Again, Inc., have not publicly commented on Ellis’ question. Trump has called on donors and supporters to help with his legal fees.
Ellis is one of the 18 aides and allies indicted along with Trump in Atlanta. A grand jury accused them of organizing a conspiracy to steal the election in Georgia and other states from President Joe Biden.
Ellis worked with Trump’s 2020 campaign on its efforts after the 2020 presidential election. Ellis has protested harassment from Trump allies who have attacked her for not supporting his 2024 presidential bid.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is reportedly trying to get other defendants to testify against Trump. But there is no sign that Ellis is prepared to flip. She has criticized the Trump indictments as political in nature.
Ellis on X reposted Trump ally Matt Schlapp, who suggested that other GOP presidential candidates drop out of the Republican primary so that party members can use donations for legal defenses.
“The sooner we unify behind a nominee that sooner we can use resources to fund the defenses of everyone indicted for being a Trump Republican,” Schlapp said.
In her response, Ellis said: “I totally agree this has become a bigger principle than just one man … So why isn’t MAGA, Inc. funding everyone’s defense?”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump Georgia co-defendant asks why he isn’t paying legal fees