Trump Team Responds
Trump attorney Steve Sadow told Law360, “This politically charged prosecution has to come to an end. We remain confident that a fair and impartial review will lead to a dismissal of the case against President Trump.”
The announcement maintains the case against Trump and more than a dozen alleged co-conspirators, following revelations that Willis had a romantic relationship with top prosecutor Nathan Wade—a disclosure that forced her removal from the case.
A Tumultuous History
First exposed by attorney Ashleigh Merchant, the relationship between Willis and Wade sparked a legal battle over the DA’s participation. Judge McAfee, citing an “odor of mendacity,” gave Willis an ultimatum to remove Wade. Wade resigned the same day, but a divided Georgia Court of Appeals later ruled Willis’ removal was required. The Supreme Court of Georgia declined to review.
Judge Trenton Brown wrote at the time that while an appearance of impropriety usually isn’t enough for disqualification, this case was an exception, requiring removal to restore public confidence.
