Florida Politics

Judge Rules Willis or Wade Must Recuse from Trump Case

Share

Fulton County Judge Scott McAfee has ruled District Attorney Fani Willis must abandon her case against former President Donald Trump unless special prosecutor Nathan Wade is removed. 

 District Attorney Willis had recently acknowledged her “personal relationship” with Prosecutor Wade, whom she hired in her prosecution of President Trump.

Willis hired Wade in November 2021 despite his reportedly scant prosecutorial experience. 

Wade was appointed by Willis to lead her team of lawyers in bringing an election interference case against President Trump in Georgia. 

After Willis' acknowledgment of her personal relationship with Wade, Various Trump co-defendants had requested both be removed from the case against them.

Several hearings were subsequently held to determine whether a conflict of interest exists between Willis and Wade. 

After reviewing the evidence, Judge McAfee’s ruling rejected Trump co-defendant's claims that a conflict of interest existed but noted that Willis and Wade must nonetheless cease collaborating. 

Trump co-defendants “failed to meet their burden of proving that the District Attorney acquired an actual conflict of interest in this case,” reads the ruling. 

Yet, McAfee explained “the established record now highlights a significant appearance of impropriety that infects the current structure of the prosecution team.”

Therefore, McAfee stated such appearance “must be removed.”

To this end, McAfee commanded either Willis or Wade recuse themselves from the case for it to proceed. 

Willis has yet to respond to McAfee’s ruling. 

 Willis’ office had originally described Trump’s co-defendant's complaints as “ill-conceived” and based on “reckless accusations.”

Conservatives and Trump allies have claimed Willis’ behavior as another sign demonstrating Willis’ case against President Trump was flawed from the outset. 

US Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) responded to the drama by drafting the Against Federal Funds for Allowing Inappropriate Relationships Act (AFFAIR). 

The AFFAIR Act would prohibit federal funding for any state or local chief prosecutor office with individuals who have been convicted in engaging in corruption or any other unlawful activity.

Mateo Guillamont

Mateo is a Miami-based political reporter covering national and local politics

Recent Posts

You Know Miami’s Election Season Has Arrived When the Spanish Jingles Hit — and 'Crazy Joe' Takes Center Stage

In Miami, political season isn’t officially underway until the Spanish-language jingles start making the rounds…

6 hours ago

New Senate Leader Lori Berman Says Democrats are 'Alive and Kicking,' Pushes Back on Dead Claim

Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman gave her first remarks after being elected to replace Sen.…

8 hours ago

Trump Administration Pressures China on Tariff Negotiations

President Donald Trump’s cabinet members are increasing public pressure on China as trade negotiations over…

9 hours ago

US Strikes Houthi Detention Center, Promises Further Action

The US recently struck a Houthi-controlled prison in the latest wave of airstrikes against the…

9 hours ago

Byron Donalds: Florida Democrats have been 'Soundly Defeated'

Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) put a stake in the Democratic Party…

11 hours ago

Waltz Says Trump is 'Frustrated' with Putin, Zelenskyy's Actions to Bring Ukraine War to an End

National Security Adviser Mike Waltz discussed the ongoing discussions between the Trump Administration and Presidents…

15 hours ago