Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) has admitted to a “personal relationship” with Nathan Wade, one of the lawyers she hired for the investigation into former President Donald Trump’s post-2020 election behavior. Willis addressed the issue in a 176-page filing, asserting that a personal relationship among members of the prosecution team doesn’t constitute a disqualifying conflict of interest.
The admission followed accusations by Michael Roman, an indicted co-conspirator alongside Trump, who claimed Willis had a sexual relationship with Wade. In the filing, Willis argued that the alleged relationship does not harm a criminal defendant and defended the diverse team she assembled for the case.
Wade submitted an affidavit confirming the personal relationship but claimed no financial interest in the outcome of the election interference case. Wade, paid over $650,000 for his work, has faced criticism for being “conspicuously unqualified” for the assignment.
The allegations raised concerns about the use of funds directed to Wade by Willis’s office. Despite Willis initially suggesting racial motivations behind the accusations, she has now acknowledged the relationship.
Former President Trump reacted on Truth Social, asserting that Willis pursued him by appointing her “lover” as prosecutor. Trump claimed that the case is discredited and over.
CNN legal analyst Elie Honig criticized Willis, stating she is “no victim” if she used her office’s power to favor friends and undermine defendants’ constitutional rights. The acknowledgment of the personal relationship adds a new dimension to the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings.
