Judge allows Fani Willis to stay on case after Nathan Wade resigns

Judge Scott McAfee ruled that Fulton County DA Fani Willis could continue prosecuting Trump's Georgia RICO case, but only if special prosecutor Nathan Wade resigned due to their romantic relationship. Wade immediately stepped down. The ruling came after weeks of contentious hearings where Trump co-defendants alleged Willis had a financial conflict of interest because she hired Wade as special prosecutor while they were dating. A former friend testified their relationship began earlier than claimed. Willis delivered fiery testimony defending herself, saying "I'm not on trial" despite Trump's effort to turn the case into an investigation of her personal life. The judge found an "appearance of impropriety" but no actual financial conflict, allowing Willis to remain while Wade departed. Critics noted the spectacle had successfully delayed the trial, benefiting Trump's run-out-the-clock strategy. NPR reported Wade "accepted the resignation" to preserve the prosecution.

"I'm not on trial." — Fani Willis during combative testimony defending her relationship with Nathan Wade, February 15, 2024