Prosecutor Fani Willis Accuses Trump’s Defense of Misconduct
Willis Denies Allegations of Financial Conflict of Interest
Fani Willis, the prosecutor overseeing the election interference case against Donald Trump in Georgia, vehemently denied claims by the former U.S. president’s lawyers that her romantic relationship with a colleague posed a financial conflict of interest.
She accused a lawyer for Michael Roman, a Trump co-defendant, of lying in her statements to the court by implying that Willis had lived with the colleague, describing the assertion as “another one of your lies.”
Willis took the stand after her former romantic partner, Nathan Wade, also denied allegations of financial impropriety. Lawyers for Willis’ office initially opposed her testifying, but dropped their opposition when the prosecutor made a surprise entrance in the courtroom.
Allegations Against Willis and Wade
Trump and some of his co-defendants assert that Willis should be disqualified from the prosecution due to her relationship with Wade, who they say paid for trips the two took together while Wade was being paid by Willis’ office. Wade denied accusations that Willis financially benefited from the relationship, giving her an incentive to prolong the prosecution.
Wade testified that he booked travel with Willis to California, Belize, Aruba, and a Caribbean cruise but said Willis either reimbursed him in cash or covered other expenses.
Contradictory Testimonies
A former friend and employee of Willis, Robin Yeartie, contradicted the timeline of the relationship Willis and Wade have presented to the court. Yeartie testified that Willis and Wade began dating shortly after they met in 2019 and before Wade was contracted to lead the Trump case. Wade later testified that the relationship began early in 2022 while he was already working on the election probe.
Future of the Prosecution
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee set the hearing to determine whether Willis’ office should be disqualified from prosecuting the election case. That would cast doubt on the future of the prosecution. Willis’ office has blasted the disqualification effort as a publicity stunt based on “fantastical theories and rank speculation.”
Impact on Trump’s Prosecutions
The allegations have roiled Willis’ historic prosecution of Trump and 14 allies who have pleaded not guilty to charges of forming a criminal conspiracy to overturn Trump’s 2020 defeat in Georgia. Trump has highlighted the claims against Willis as evidence of perceived misconduct by those pursuing him.
Trump’s Response
Trump signed onto the disqualification effort, accusing Willis of improperly discussing race during a speech in which she appeared to reference the allegations. Willis, who along with Wade is Black, has said her remarks did not violate any ethical rules.
Legal Implications
Trump’s lawyers have been working to delay the various prosecutions he faces. Were he to win the November election, he could order a halt to two federal prosecutions — or possibly pardon himself of any federal convictions — as well as argue that as president he should not face state prosecutions like the Georgia case.
