The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office has bid farewell to special prosecutor Nathan Wade in DA Fani Willis’ election interference probe.
Wade resigned this afternoon and justified his exit in a letter, citing a commitment to democracy and the expeditious resolution of the case. “Although the court found that ‘the defendants failed to meet their burden of proving that the District Attorney acquired an actual conflict of interest,’ I am offering my resignation in the interest of democracy, in dedication to the American public, and to move this case forward as quickly as possible,” Wade penned.
In response, Fani Willis, the Fulton County DA, ironically hailed Wade’s valor in tackling the investigation. “I will always remember — and will remind everyone — that you were brave enough to step forward and take on the investigation and prosecution of the allegations that the defendants in this case engaged in a conspiracy to overturn Georgia’s 2020 presidential election,” Willis conveyed in her letter of acceptance.
The seismic shift comes hot on the heels of Judge McAfee’s decree allowing Willis to stick around only if Wade takes his leave due to concerns about the appearance of impropriety within the prosecution team:
In his attempt to find a middle ground, McAfee wrote that his decision was premised on the idea that “disqualification of a constitutional officer [is not] necessary when a less drastic and sufficiently remedial option is available.” However, he added it is obvious “that the prosecution of this case cannot proceed until the State selects one of two options.” Either “the District Attorney may choose to step aside, along with the whole of her office” or “Wade can withdraw” allowing the case to proceed without further distraction.
McAfee didn’t pull punches, slamming Willis for what he deemed a “tremendous” lapse of judgment and casting doubt on the veracity of testimony surrounding Willis and Wade’s relationship.
Trump’s legal eagles and other defendants’ counsels had alleged that Willis dished out hefty sums to Wade for his services, with Wade allegedly reciprocating by footing the bill for their joint vacations.
The Willis-Wade saga first burst into the spotlight via a motion filed by an attorney representing Trump co-defendant Michael Roman. The motion aimed to nix the indictment and boot Willis, Wade, and their team from further involvement in prosecuting the case.