A revealing deposition uncovers the early groundwork of a high-profile investigation that would later shape Georgia's political landscape.
According to the Washington Examiner, Nathan Wade's testimony to the House Judiciary Committee revealed that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis initiated preparations to investigate former President Donald Trump before officially assuming her position in January 2021.
The closed-door deposition transcript, released Monday, exposed that Willis began assembling a search committee focused on the Trump investigation shortly after the 2020 election, preceding her official term.
Wade confirmed to the committee that Willis reached out to him about joining the search committee between the 2020 election and January 1, 2021. The timing of these actions highlights Willis's aggressive approach toward the Trump investigation while he was still in office.
The search committee's primary task involved finding someone without predetermined bias against Trump to lead the election interference investigation. Wade explained how he ultimately became the lead prosecutor after the committee's recommendation.
From the transcript, Wade stated:
So, January 1st, I was a part of the search committee for that newly elected district attorney, and we were tasked with trying to identify someone who would serve as lead counsel on the election interference investigation.
Wade's involvement in the case ended earlier this year following revelations about his romantic relationship with Willis. The disclosure led to significant legal challenges from Trump and co-defendants, who questioned the relationship's impact on the case's integrity.
The timeline of their relationship became a central point of contention. While both Wade and Willis maintained their romantic involvement, which began in early 2022, evidence presented during inquiries suggested their personal connection predated this claim.
The House Judiciary Committee's questioning also focused on Wade's meetings with White House counsel and former January 6 Committee members, though specific details remained unclear due to Wade's limited recollection.
Committee Chairman Jim Jordan's yearlong investigation into Willis's prosecution continues to examine potential political motivations. The inquiry has specifically targeted the use of federal grant money during Wade's tenure.
Willis's office has consistently denied allegations of political motivation or misuse of funds. The investigation maintains its focus on these aspects, while Wade's testimony adds new dimensions to the timeline.
These developments have prompted Trump's legal team to escalate their concerns to the Georgia Court of Appeals, seeking Willis's removal from the case.
The testimony's disclosure marks a significant development in understanding the investigation's origins. Willis's early preparation for the Trump investigation, Wade's appointment, and their subsequent personal relationship have created a complex narrative in this high-profile case. The revelations continue to influence the ongoing legal proceedings and congressional oversight of the investigation.
