U.S. News
Willis ally: Lead prosecutor should ‘voluntarily’ step down from Trump case
By Jake Beardslee · January 21, 2024
In brief…
- Eisen, a Willis ally, said Wade should "voluntarily" step down from the Trump case.
- He acknowledged their alleged relationship has created controversy and damage.
- Eisen still argued the case against Trump is strong and should move quickly.
- He said Willis is not legally required to step down and should remain.
- The allegations were filed by lawyers for Trump co-defendant Mike Roman.
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An ally of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis acknowledged this weekend that the allegations of a romantic relationship between Willis and lead prosecutor Nathan Wade have created potential damage to the election interference case against Donald Trump.
Norm Eisen, who served as special counsel during Trump’s first impeachment, said in an interview Saturday that while Georgia law does not require Wade to step down from the case, it would be “wise” for him to do so voluntarily given the controversy.
“My view is that the law does not require Mr. Wade to step down, but I think it would be the wise thing for him to voluntarily consider doing so,” Eisen said, according to The Hill.
Wade, an Atlanta attorney, was hired by Willis as a special prosecutor to lead the Trump case. The allegations against them, filed by Trump co-defendant Mike Roman’s lawyers, claim Willis and Wade were in an “improper, clandestine” relationship when she appointed him.
While facts are still emerging, Eisen acknowledged the relationship was “not wise.” However, he emphasized the case against Trump has strong evidence and must move forward quickly.
“Trump could not have done that alone and his alleged co-conspirators, like Mr. Roman, need to be the focus of these proceedings,” Eisen said.
He argued Willis should remain on the case given its importance and her election by Fulton County voters to prosecute crimes.
“Willis has no legal obligation to step down,” Eisen said. “She was elected by the people of Fulton County to prosecute crimes, and this is a serious one that impacted her jurisdiction.”