Atlanta, Georgia – Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is facing scrutiny over allegations of impropriety, as claims surfaced that she paid her prosecutor boyfriend Nathan Wade double the salary of his colleagues. The controversy deepened when defense lawyer Ashley Merchant testified to a Georgia state Senate hearing, alleging that Willis met Vice President Kamala Harris prior to indicting former President Donald Trump. Merchant also raised concerns about the lack of accountability in Wade’s billing practices and the extensive text messages exchanged between him and Willis. The allegations have cast doubt on Willis’ involvement in the Trump case and have prompted calls for her disqualification.
The defense attorney for Trump co-defendant Michael Roman further argued that Wade had received over $650,000 in billing from Willis, with invoices lacking sufficient information. Merchant highlighted the inappropriate nature of their relationship and questioned the integrity of the billing process. In response, Willis defended the relationship, stating that Wade took a pay cut when he joined her team and that their romantic involvement began afterward.
The GOP-run panel overseeing the case is investigating Willis’ office, while a judge determines whether she and Wade should be disqualified from handling the racketeering conspiracy charges against Trump and his alleged co-conspirators related to the 2020 election. Merchant’s testimony in the Senate Special Committee shed light on the relationship between Willis and Wade, as well as their interaction with high-ranking officials. She revealed that Willis had a meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington, D.C. in February of 2023, though it is unclear whether the Trump prosecution was discussed during the meeting.
As the disqualification hearing unfolded, Merchant outlined her theory that the complex nature of the case allowed Wade to bill more hours, potentially benefiting himself. Questions were raised about why Willis, who earns a six-figure salary, would engage in such behavior in exchange for expensive vacations and travel. Merchant, representing Roman, who was implicated in the effort to substitute fake electors in the 2020 election, also provided evidence of Willis reimbursing Wade in cash for expenses incurred during trips.
Willis dismissed the proceedings as a political quest, vowing to stand up for justice. State Sen. Harold V. Jones II (D) questioned Merchant about any unfairness in the trial, emphasizing the importance of ensuring fairness to the defendant. Judge Scott McAfee is expected to make a decision soon regarding Willis’ potential disqualification from the Trump case. The allegations surrounding the district attorney’s conduct warrant a thorough investigation, as the integrity of the legal process and the pursuit of justice hang in the balance.