Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is under growing pressure from within his own party to initiate a criminal investigation into Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The allegations suggest an improper relationship between Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade, appointed to handle the high-profile election interference case against former President Donald Trump.
The calls for an inquiry intensified after Michael Roman, a defendant charged alongside Trump, filed a motion seeking the dismissal of charges. Roman’s attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, alleges a “clandestine personal relationship” between Willis and Wade. Merchant claims Willis illegally hired Wade without following proper procedures and failed to disclose their alleged relationship. The attorney also accuses Willis of taking Wade on work trips funded by county funds.
Although the filing lacks concrete evidence, Fulton County has reportedly paid Wade nearly $700,000 since his 2022 appointment. Trump loyalists, particularly Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, seized upon the claims to undermine Willis’ investigation.
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In a letter to Kemp and State Attorney General Chris Carr, Greene called for a criminal probe into Willis’ actions, citing potential charges of fraud, false statements, and violating her oath of office. Greene accused Willis of “unlawful partisan” conduct and urged swift action to initiate an investigation by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).
Kemp has approached the matter cautiously, refraining from direct criticism of Willis. His spokesperson stated that the governor has not seen evidence warranting action against the district attorney. However, pressure is mounting from Trump loyalists in the Georgia legislature.
State Senator Burt Jones, who co-chaired Trump’s 2020 campaign in Georgia, echoed Greene’s call for a criminal probe, accusing Willis of “corruption.” State Senator Steve Gooch submitted a formal complaint against Willis to a state commission overseeing district attorneys, suggesting a politically-motivated prosecution.
Kemp, caught between Trump’s animosity and demands from the ex-president’s allies, has dismissed the notion of taking action against Willis as “political theater.” While evidence is yet to emerge validating the misconduct claims, it could force Kemp to act, given the ongoing dynamics.
Willis, elected in 2020 on a platform of criminal justice reform, initiated an investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn his election defeat in Georgia. Despite the mounting controversy, Willis has not directly responded to allegations or calls for her prosecution, maintaining her ability to balance caseload and duties as district attorney.
As pressure on Kemp mounts, his response could significantly impact the election interference probe and political dynamics in Georgia leading up to 2024. For now, Willis continues her work, but the accusations threaten to engulf her office in controversy.
