Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis has ruled that the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump and his allies will proceed as long as Nathan Wade, the lead prosecutor she appointed and had a romantic relationship with, withdraws from the case. Judge Scott McAfee stated that the defendants failed to demonstrate that Willis’ relationship with Wade constituted a “conflict of interest” sufficient to justify her dismissal from the case. However, he discovered a “appearance of impropriety that infects the current structure of the prosecution team.”
Willis’ order represents a significant legal victory for him, as he retains control of the historic criminal case against the former president and his allies. However, Willis’ diversion has come at a personal and professional cost, as embarrassing details about her personal life and romantic relationships have come to light in the same courtroom where she had hoped to put Trump and his co-defendants on trial in August. Even Willis’ allies are concerned that the case against Trump will be irreparably damaged as a result of Willis’ actions, which have undermined public confidence in the prosecution.
McAfee made it clear that he opposes Willis and Wade’s actions, including Willis’ angry testimony on February 15. He also targeted Wade specifically, describing his testimony as “patently unpersuasive” and indicating “a willingness on his part to wrongly conceal his relationship with the District Attorney.”