Nathan Wade denies 'politically motivated' investigation in Georgia Senate testimony

Nathan Wade testifies in Fani Willis inquiry

Former special prosecutor Nathan Wade testified before a Georgia Senate subcommittee to address allegations of financial misconduct and conflicts of interest within the Fulton County DA's office.

ATLANTA - Former Fulton County Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade is testifying before the state Senate subcommittee investigating allegations of misconduct by District Attorney Fani Willis. 

This investigation stems from the prosecution of President Donald Trump and others in the high-profile racketeering case.

Wade denies financial or political motives

What we know:

Nathan Wade appeared before the Senate Special Investigations Subcommittee two years after resigning from the high-profile case. During the hearing, Wade testified that he did not accept the position to financially reward or benefit anyone, specifically naming District Attorney Fani Willis. He further stated that the investigation into the 2020 election was not influenced by political motivations.

The committee’s questioning focused on reported email exchanges and 2022 meetings between Willis's team, the DOJ, White House Counsel, and Jan. 6 committee staff. When presented with documents regarding these interactions, Wade repeatedly told the committee he did not recall those specific individuals or meetings.

What we don't know:

The committee has not yet announced if further witnesses will be called following Wade's testimony.

Defense calls hearing a 'headline' grab

What they're saying:

The hearing prompted a sharp response from Wade's attorney, Andrew Evans, who categorized the proceedings as a political distraction.

"This whole thing today was just designed to make headlines," Evans said. "I mean, the Republicans are flailing, Trump's approval ratings are low, the midterms are coming, and they're just trying to make news so that they can change the narrative. But it's not—that's not going to do it. There's just nothing here."

Sen. Dolezal expressed disappointment in Wade's testimony regarding his professional correspondence. "I wish Mr. Wade had a better, better memory. I do," Dolezal said. "I am grateful for him appearing and I'm grateful for him answering the questions to the best of his recollection."

Probe into Willis

The backstory:

Lawmakers have continued to scrutinize Willis and the decisions made during the investigation. This follows a long road of testimony; back in December, Willis herself testified for more than three hours after refusing to do so for over a year. During that appearance, she defended the indictment, stating, "People came into my community and committed a crime, and I indicted him. And rest assured, if someone else comes in my community and commits a crime, I will indict them again."

Timeline: Fulton County DA Fani Willis, Nathan Wade controversy

The case against the president eventually unraveled after it was revealed that Willis had a romantic relationship with Wade, who was her subordinate on the case. While Wade later stepped down and Willis was eventually dismissed from the case, there was little discussion of their relationship during her time before the committee.

Now that the case has been thrown out due to prosecutorial misconduct, Trump and the other defendants are asking for millions in attorney fees.