Staff Reports
The Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump got spicy at the hearing on Friday when the judge hinted at disqualifying Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case.
Fani Willis disqualification decision expected within next two weeks: Judge https://t.co/0w24SZx0mA
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) March 3, 2024
The drama unfolded in the courtroom as Judge Scott McAfee wrapped up the closing arguments, signaling that he will rule on the dispute in the next two weeks. McAfee made it clear that there are some legal issues and factual determinations to sort through before making a decision.
The plot thickened when one of Trump’s co-defendants alleged that Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade were getting cozy with each other. They claimed that Willis benefited from their “friendship” when Wade paid for several vacations. The prosecutors admitted to having a personal relationship, but they said it only started in 2022.
The defense and prosecutors sparred like two wildcats vying for the same piece of meat during their closing arguments. The defense argued that there were issues of conflict of interest and forensic misconduct, while the prosecutors shot back, saying there was no hard evidence to back up the defense’s claims.
The defense tried to prove that the relationship started way before November 2021 by bringing in witnesses and shining a spotlight on unaccounted-for cash spent on vacations. The prosecutors countered by filing an affidavit from a winery employee who claimed Willis paid for wine with cash.
McAfee also hinted that there might be some professional disciplinary action at the state bar if it turns out the prosecutors lied about their relationship. To top it all off, a new alleged witness surfaced with a voicemail claiming to have seen two key players dining together at a restaurant.
