In Georgia, a judge decided that District Attorney Fani Willis is not disqualified from the racketeering case against former President Donald Trump, under the condition that either Willis or the special prosecutor she appointed, Nathan Wade, who she had a romantic relationship with, leaves the case. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee determined that Willis’ relationship with Wade created an “appearance of impropriety” but found no “actual conflict” necessitating Willis’ removal. The judge critiqued Willis’ judgment but ruled that Georgia law doesn’t mandate disqualification for poor decision-making alone.
The ruling allows Willis the option to continue the case without Wade, avoiding the delays an outright disqualification could cause. This decision comes after Michael Roman, a co-defendant, sought to have Willis and her office disqualified, citing an “improper” personal relationship between Willis and Wade. Willis and Wade testified that their relationship began after his appointment, countering claims of financial benefit from the arrangement. The case, involving allegations of conspiracy to overturn election results, remains on track, potentially for trial before the 2024 presidential election.