Attorney Nathan Wade, previously involved in Georgia's election fraud case against Donald Trump, is at risk of facing a contempt of Congress charge after failing to appear before the House Judiciary Committee.
Newsweek reported that his absence during the hearing investigating his role in the Trump case and his past relationship with Atlanta district attorney, Fani Willis, has sparked rising tensions. Wade’s refusal to comply with the subpoena has led to significant developments in the ongoing investigation.
The House Judiciary Committee reached out to the U.S. Marshals Service after Wade avoided being served with a subpoena for a week.
According to reports, Wade ultimately accepted the subpoena on Thursday, though a future hearing for his testimony has not yet been scheduled.
The hearing aims to explore Wade’s involvement in the Georgia election fraud case, including his relationship with Willis, who is prosecuting Donald Trump for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results.
Wade's failure to appear before the committee could result in a contempt of Congress charge, which is a criminal offense under U.S. law.
According to the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service, individuals who willfully fail to comply with a valid congressional subpoena for testimony or documents can face serious legal consequences.
Violating 2 U.S.C. § 192, the statute concerning contempt of Congress, is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.
After being aware that U.S. Marshals were searching for him, Wade eventually accepted the subpoena.
However, no date has been set for him to provide testimony. The committee is particularly interested in his relationship with Fani Willis, as well as his knowledge of the Trump case.
Wade’s attorney, Andrew Evans, has dismissed the subpoena as a political maneuver by House Republicans. Evans stated that Wade has "nothing of interest" to offer the committee and emphasized that his client has no relevant information regarding the matters being investigated.
Nonetheless, the committee remains focused on Wade’s connection to Willis and his involvement in the high-profile Trump prosecution.
Fani Willis, who is prosecuting Trump for his alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election results, has faced scrutiny over her past relationship with Wade. Trump, for his part, has pleaded not guilty to all charges related to the case. However, the discovery of Wade’s relationship with Willis has complicated the proceedings.
The Trump case, which is being prosecuted in Georgia, has encountered additional challenges due to the revelation of Wade’s romantic relationship with Willis.
Judge Scott McAfee, presiding over the case, criticized Willis for the potential conflict of interest and demanded that either she or Wade step away from the case. In response, Wade resigned from his role, further intensifying the legal drama surrounding the former president's attempts to overturn his election defeat.
Despite stepping down from his involvement in the Trump case, Wade now faces new legal battles as he confronts the possibility of being charged with contempt of Congress.
This charge could have severe consequences for Wade, as similar cases in the past have led to significant penalties. For example, Stephen Bannon, a former adviser to Trump, was convicted of criminal contempt of Congress in 2022 and sentenced to four months in jail.
If Wade is charged with contempt of Congress, his penalties could vary depending on the circumstances. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the severity of the punishment is influenced by several factors, including the individual's intent and cooperation.
A contempt of Congress charge is a serious offense, carrying both fines and the potential for imprisonment.
However, Wade does have options to protect himself. He could invoke the Fifth Amendment to avoid self-incrimination when testifying before the committee.
In some cases, individuals in similar positions have been granted immunity by Congress in exchange for their testimony. It remains unclear whether Wade will pursue this option or if the committee would offer it.
Wade’s legal team is likely considering all available options as they navigate this complicated situation.
The House Judiciary Committee has expressed its determination to obtain Wade’s testimony, particularly regarding his role in the Trump case and his relationship with Willis. Wade’s lawyer, Andrew Evans, has continued to assert that the subpoena is little more than "political theater," designed to embarrass Wade rather than uncover new evidence.
With another hearing yet to be scheduled, it remains to be seen how the legal situation will unfold.
Wade’s decision to comply with the subpoena—or resist it further—could have significant ramifications for both his legal career and the ongoing Trump investigation.
As the legal drama surrounding Nathan Wade continues to unfold, the implications of his actions are becoming increasingly clear.
His failure to comply with the congressional subpoena has drawn the attention of both the public and legal experts, many of whom are watching closely to see how this situation will develop.
Wade’s relationship with Fani Willis has already affected the Trump case, and further revelations could have additional impacts on both the case and his legal standing.
