Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis took a firm stand on Thursday, countering what she labeled as “lies” regarding her alleged romantic involvement with a special prosecutor, Nathan Wade, during a pivotal hearing on misconduct allegations that could disrupt one of the criminal cases against Donald Trump.
Visibly agitated, Willis, who initially resisted testifying, eventually took the witness stand after a previous witness suggested her relationship with Wade started earlier than claimed. Under intense questioning from defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant, Willis vehemently denied the accusations, declaring, “It’s a lie!”
Challenging the notion that she was on trial, Willis asserted, “These people are on trial for trying to steal an election in 2020. I’m not on trial no matter how hard you try to put me on trial.” She rebuked Merchant’s line of inquiry, stating, “Merchant’s interests are contrary to democracy.”
Willis is set to resume her testimony on Friday to address further questions.
The intense scrutiny faced by Willis and Wade, who also testified, underscores the spotlight on prosecutors involved in the case against Trump. Revelations about their personal lives have shifted attention away from Trump’s actions, prompting concerns about the case’s future as Trump seeks to return to the White House.
The disclosure of Willis and Wade’s relationship has provided ammunition for Trump and his Republican allies to question the validity of Willis’ case, which they perceive as politically motivated. Some Republicans have called for investigations into Willis, a Democrat up for reelection this year.
Trump and his co-defendants argue that the relationship presents a conflict of interest warranting Willis’s removal from the case. However, Wade downplayed the issue, portraying himself and Willis as private individuals.
Robin Yeartie, a former friend of Willis, testified earlier, claiming to have witnessed romantic interactions between Willis and Wade before his appointment as special prosecutor. Both Wade and Willis maintained that their relationship began in 2022 and ended months ago.
During exhaustive testimony, Wade admitted to a sexual relationship with Willis during his separation from his wife, contradicting earlier claims made in divorce filings.
The revelation of their relationship and Yeartie’s testimony have raised questions about the prosecutors’ credibility as they prepare for trial in the case alleging conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.
If Willis were disqualified, a council supporting prosecuting attorneys in Georgia would appoint a replacement who could proceed with the case or dismiss it.
Merchant, representing a co-defendant of Trump, raised allegations of personal gain for Willis, claiming she profited from the case by paying Wade over $650,000, some of which he used to finance vacations with Willis.
Wade confirmed their travels but stated that Willis reimbursed him for expenses. Defense attorneys probed their relationship, prompting objections from the district attorney’s office.
Willis’ potential removal would be a significant development, potentially delaying the trial until after Trump’s expected nomination for president in November. Meanwhile, in a separate hearing in New York, a judge ruled that Trump’s hush-money case will proceed as scheduled.
Willis’ office maintains she has no conflict of interest, dismissing the allegations as “salacious” and intended for sensational headlines.
Judge McAfee emphasized the need for evidence demonstrating an actual conflict before disqualification, focusing on the nature and timing of the relationship and any personal benefit conveyed.
