In a recent court submission, it was revealed that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is romantically involved with Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor she appointed in November 2021 to aid in the investigation into potential legal violations by former President Donald Trump and associates regarding the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Despite this relationship, Willis argues that this does not warrant her dismissal from the case or its dismissal.
Wade has been at the forefront of the legal team prosecuting the case since Trump and 18 others were indicted in August. In his affidavit, Wade acknowledged the development of a personal relationship with Willis in 2022, while also maintaining they never cohabitated or shared financial resources. He emphasized their financial independence and their arrangement to equally share personal expenses, including travel, to counter claims of a conflict of interest.
In response to allegations made by defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant, representing co-defendant Michael Roman, that the relationship between Willis and Wade represents a conflict of interest, Willis’s team filed a document seeking to refute these claims and requesting the dismissal of the motion to have both prosecutors removed from the case without a hearing.
The issue has gained attention from Trump and other critics who suggest the relationship undermines the legitimacy of the prosecution. Willis, a Democrat running for re-election this year, and Wade have defended their professional integrity and decision-making in the case. Meanwhile, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee is scheduled to hold a hearing on February 15 to consider Roman’s motion, with Willis and Wade among the witnesses expected to testify.
This situation has also caught the attention of Rep. Jim Jordan, who has requested documents from Willis regarding her office’s use of federal funds and any allegations of misuse, further heightening the scrutiny on the case.
