Atlanta – Lawyers representing former President Donald Trump and other co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case have requested that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis be disqualified from the trial. The defense argues that Willis has a conflict of interest due to her romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, whom she appointed as the lead prosecutor in the case. During a three-hour hearing, the defense presented evidence suggesting that Willis received a financial benefit of over $9,200 that she cannot explain.
The crux of the dispute lies in determining the timeline of Willis and Wade’s relationship. While both parties admit to being romantically involved, it is unclear whether their relationship began before or after Wade’s involvement in the investigation into Trump’s alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. Testimony from a former friend of Willis indicated that the couple started dating in 2019. However, an assistant prosecutor from Willis’ office dismissed this claim, alleging that the former friend was motivated by hostility towards Willis for forcing her resignation.
The defense also challenged the burden of proof in the case, as they believe they only need to demonstrate that Willis’ conduct creates the appearance of a conflict of interest. On the other hand, Trump’s legal team insists on proving an actual conflict occurred. Furthermore, the defense criticized Willis for delivering a speech at a Black church where she suggested that she and Wade were being targeted due to their race. They claim that the speech was an attempt to prejudice potential jurors in the case.
Both sides also debated the validity of cellphone records that show extensive communication between Wade and Willis during 2021. The defense argued that these records contradict the couple’s claim that their relationship did not begin until 2022. They also cast doubt on Willis’ assertion that she did not benefit financially from her relationship with Wade, suggesting that she repaid him in cash for any expenses he incurred on her behalf.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Fulton Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee stated that he will issue a ruling within two weeks. The decision will determine whether Willis will remain as the prosecutor in the Georgia election interference case.