ATLANTA (May 10,2024) – A new prosecutor will take the helm of the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump and others,after the state’s court of Appeals removed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis due to an “appearance of impropriety.” Nathan wade, the special prosecutor Willis had hired, resigned in March 2024 after allegations of a conflict of interest surfaced, centering on a romantic relationship between Willis and Wade and claims that Wade used his earnings from the case to fund vacations they took together.
The case, stemming from allegations that Trump and his allies illegally attempted to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia, has been plagued by legal challenges. While Judge Scott McAfee initially allowed willis to remain on the case if Wade resigned – which he did hours later – the Georgia Court of Appeals ultimately sided with the defense, removing Willis. The state Supreme Court afterward declined to hear Willis’ appeal.
The appointment of a new prosecutor marks the latest development in a sprawling investigation that began in the wake of the 2020 election. Even before Willis secured an indictment,a judge barred her from pursuing charges against Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones,one of 16 state Republicans who signed a certificate falsely declaring Trump the winner of the state’s election. That ruling stemmed from a conflict of interest, as Willis had previously hosted a fundraiser for Jones’ Democratic opponent.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr appointed Peter Skandalakis to oversee the issue involving Jones,and Skandalakis ultimately decided not to pursue charges against the lieutenant governor.Skandalakis is now tasked with selecting a replacement to lead the case against Trump and the remaining defendants.
During an remarkable hearing in February 2024, Willis and Wade testified about their relationship, stating the romance began after Wade was hired and that they shared expenses for vacations and outings. Judge McAfee, while finding no disqualifying conflict of interest, described Willis’ actions as a “tremendous lapse in judgment.”
