The Georgia Court of Appeals ruled on Thursday that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be removed from the 2020 election interference case against President-elect Donald Trump. This decision overturns a prior ruling by a trial judge that allowed Willis to remain on the case.
The case stems from allegations that Trump and more than a dozen allies orchestrated a scheme to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election results. Trump, who has maintained his innocence, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him last year by Fulton County prosecutors.
In its majority opinion, the appellate court concluded that the trial court erred by failing to disqualify Willis and her office. The court emphasized that Willis’ involvement created an “appearance of impropriety” that undermined public confidence in the proceedings.
“Disqualification is mandated, and no other remedy will suffice to restore public confidence in the integrity of these proceedings,” the court stated in its 2-1 ruling. However, the court left the indictment against Trump and his co-defendants intact. The case is expected to be reassigned to the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia.
Controversy Surrounding DA Willis
The ruling comes after allegations of a romantic relationship between Willis and Nathan Wade, a special prosecutor she hired in November 2021 to assist with the investigation. Earlier this year, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee held an evidentiary hearing to determine whether the relationship constituted a conflict of interest.
McAfee ultimately allowed Willis to remain on the case, provided that Wade stepped aside, which he did. However, Trump and eight co-defendants appealed the decision, citing concerns over Willis’ judgment and impartiality.
The allegations were first raised by Michael Roman, a co-defendant and GOP operative, who claimed Willis and Wade’s relationship began before Wade’s appointment and that Willis financially benefited from their connection. Both Willis and Wade admitted to the relationship but denied any wrongdoing, asserting that it began after Wade’s hiring and ended last summer.
Fallout from the Ruling
While McAfee’s earlier ruling criticized Willis for what he described as a “tremendous lapse in judgment,” the appellate court’s decision underscores the lasting impact of the controversy. The judge had noted an “odor of mendacity” surrounding Willis’ testimony, which he described as unprofessional.
The appellate court’s decision marks a significant development in the high-profile case, which has faced numerous legal and political challenges. Trump, who defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the November presidential election, is set to be sworn in for a second term on January 20.
Credit: CBS News
