Nathan Wade, the former special prosecutor for Fulton County, who was involved in the Georgia election interference case against former President Donald Trump, has spoken out for the first time since resigning from the case. Wade’s resignation came after a public disqualification battle due to his relationship with District Attorney Fani Willis.
Wade, who stepped down from the case last month after a judge’s decision, admitted that he had some regrets about the relationship. However, he stood by the credibility of the case against Trump and other individuals going forward.
“Workplace romances are a common occurrence, just like apple pie,” Wade shared in an exclusive interview with ABC News’ Linsey Davis. “It’s something that happens to many people, and it just so happened to us.”
Davis inquired if there was any regret.
Wade expressed his regret that the private matter had become the central focus of such a crucial prosecution. He emphasized the significance of the case at hand.
“I am frustrated that my personal life has started to overshadow the real issues in the case,” he expressed his discontent.
The remaining portion of the interview will be broadcasted on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Monday morning.
Wade resigned from the case shortly after Judge Scott McAfee’s ruling. The judge did not disqualify Willis, but stated that either she or Wade had to step aside due to their romantic relationship during the prosecution of the case. This decision was made to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
McAfee found that there was not enough evidence to prove the existence of an actual conflict of interest.
Trump and the other defendants are appealing the judge’s ruling and are also seeking the removal of Willis. It is still uncertain whether the Georgia Court of Appeals will decide to take up the appeal.
Willis and Wade stated that they started their relationship in early 2022 and it lasted until the summer of 2023, following his employment for the case in November 2021.
During the interview, Davis inquired whether Wade had considered putting the relationship on hold until the case was resolved, given the significance of the situation for democracy. Wade admitted that he had indeed considered this option, but emphasized the intensity of the emotions involved.
Davis asked if, at a certain point in time, once a bond has been established and democracy is at stake, it might be appropriate to pause proceedings until after the case is concluded.
“Absolutely, absolutely. I must admit that could have been an approach,” Wade, who has since returned to private practice, acknowledged. “However, when you find yourself in the midst of such circumstances, these emotions start to surface, and you reach a point where they become so powerful that you begin to desire actions that are truly of no concern to the public.”
Four defendants in the case have reached plea deals and admitted their guilt, while Trump and the remaining 14 defendants maintain their plea of not guilty. It is worth noting that no trial date has been scheduled at this time.