Willis Fights to Keep Role in Trump Case

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is pressing ahead with her 2020 election interference case against former President Donald Trump, despite ongoing deliberations by a Georgia appeals court regarding her potential disqualification as lead prosecutor. The case, which has been stalled since May, centers on allegations of a conflict of interest involving Willis and Nathan Wade, a former top prosecutor she appointed to assist with the Trump case. The controversy stems from a romantic relationship between Willis and Wade, which was flagged by a co-defendant in January as potentially improper. The court's scrutiny follows a ruling by Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, who acknowledged that while the relationship raised concerns about an "appearance of impropriety," it did not constitute an actual conflict of interest. Both Willis and Wade have denied any wrongdoing, although their accounts of when their relationship ended differ. Willis claims it concluded between June and August 2023, while Wade asserts it ended between February and April of the previous year. In a public address, Willis defended her actions, questioning the perceived bias against her as a Black female Democrat compared to a Republican counterpart. Meanwhile, Trump's defense team has argued that the relationship led to improper financial benefits for both Willis and Wade, further complicating the case. Trump and 14 co-defendants have pleaded not guilty, with four others accepting plea deals. Additionally, a Republican-led Georgia state Senate committee is set to hear testimony regarding Willis, although she has stated she will not participate, deeming the committee's actions "unlawful."