Nathan Wade Resigns From Trump’s Case, Fani Willis Remains

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’s ex-lover and special prosecutor Nathan Wade resigned from former President Donald Trump’s election interference case in Georgia after Judge Scott McAfee ruled that only him or Willis could remain on the case.

Wade announced his resignation in a letter to Willis, in which he wrote, “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.”

In a letter from Willis’ office shared to X, Willis accepted Wade’s resignation, calling him “outstanding advocate” and complimenting him for “for the professionalism and dignity you have shown over the last 865 days as you have endured threats against you and your family, as well as unjustified attacks in the media and in court on your reputation as a lawyer.”

“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. Others who were considered were understandably concerned for the safety of themselves and their families that would arise from their acceptance of your role. You were the one who had the courage to accept the role, even though you did not seek it,” she added.

NEW: Fulton County DA Fani Willis has accepted the resignation of her deputy Nathan Wade, per letter, a move which allows her to continue on the case — pic.twitter.com/UgjnE7rb4q

— Hugo Lowell (@hugolowell) March 15, 2024

In McAfee’s ruling on Friday, he said that Willis and Wade only engaged in an “appearance of impropriety” and that their relationship did not produce any actual conflict that could get her disqualified from the case. Hence, he rejected the request by Trump and his co-defendants to remove Willis and her office from the case, ruling that she could remain on the case if she removes Wade or he resigns voluntarily.

Wade’s exit from the case does not hold nearly as much implication as Willis’ exit would have, as that would have halted the case. With his resignation, the case against Trump and his co-defendants can proceed, as Willis’ office has other special prosecutors who can step up and fill Wade’s role.