DA in Trump Case Acknowledges Personal Relationship, Denies Wrongdoing

Fulton County DA Fani Willis acknowledged having a personal relationship with the special prosecutor she hired to manage the elections case against former President Donald Trump. 

For Context: A previous motion from Michael Roman, a Trump co-defendant, alleged Willis engaged in an “improper, clandestine personal relationship” with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. The complaint alleges Willis granted Wade lucrative contracts and then joined him on vacations he paid for. 

Key Quotes: In a 176-page filing, Willis said the relationship “does not amount to a disqualifying conflict of interest or otherwise harm a criminal defendant.” The filing argued that the defendants — who are seeking to remove Willis from the case — “have done nothing to establish an actual conflict of interest, nor have they shown that, in the handling of the case, District Attorney Willis or Special Prosecutor Wade have acted out of any personal or financial motivation.”

Related: The GOP-controlled House Judiciary Committee subpoenaed Willis on Friday, seeking documents related to her use of federal funds. 

How the Media Covered It: Coverage was widespread across the spectrum. Right-rated outlets appeared more likely to say Willis “admitted” the relationship, implying wrongdoing, although many left-rated outlets used that language as well.