Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis defended the qualifications of special prosecutor Nathan Wade in the state's case against former President Trump during her first public remarks since allegations of misconduct involving Wade surfaced last week.
Speaking at the Big Bethel AME Church before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Willis did not directly address the accusations of an improper relationship with Wade but strongly rejected claims of impropriety in hiring him for the election interference case.
Fani Willis breaks silence on misconduct accusations https://t.co/TEf1exnGDp pic.twitter.com/3KwZztiIQz
— The Hill (@thehill) January 15, 2024
Accusations emerged from one of Trump's co-defendants, Mike Roman, who accused Willis and Wade of engaging in an "improper" romantic relationship.
Roman's lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant, claimed that the pair had an "ongoing, personal and romantic relationship," alleging vacations together.
Merchant argued that this alleged relationship, starting before the election interference, makes the indictment "fatally defective" and requested its dismissal.
Willis, in her response, expressed concern about the selective criticism and defended her choice of special counselors, emphasizing diversity and the impeccable credentials of the individuals involved.
While not mentioning Wade by name, she defended the "Black man" in question, highlighting his extensive experience as a judge, in private practice, and serving as a prosecutor.
Willis raised questions about the motivations behind the allegations, suggesting they might be influenced by race. She wondered if some people would never see a Black man as qualified, regardless of his achievements.
In a speech addressing the congregation, she questioned whether her critics were playing the race card by questioning only one individual.
During the speech, Willis described the toll the allegations have taken on her, acknowledging her imperfections but pushing the blame on others, including one of her strongest critics in Georgia.
Willis specifically called out Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), who requested an investigation into Willis and Wade. Willis expressed disappointment that Greene had not reached out to her, emphasizing the cruelty she has faced.
Filings revealed that Willis was subpoenaed in Wade's ongoing divorce case. The district attorney's office is expected to respond, and a hearing on Roman's motion is anticipated in February. Trump has used Roman's allegations to further argue for the dismissal of his criminal indictment in Georgia, claiming it compromises the case against him.
Trump faces multiple counts related to alleged efforts to overturn the election results in Georgia and a separate federal criminal case in Washington, D.C.
