Nathan Wade Denies ‘Politically Motivated’ Investigation in Georgia Senate Testimony

ATLANTA, Ga. — Former Fulton County Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade testified Friday before the Georgia Senate Special Investigations Subcommittee examining allegations of misconduct by District Attorney Fani Willis. The subcommittee is reviewing the high-profile 2020 election interference investigation that involved former President Donald Trump and others.

During the hearing, Wade strongly denied that the investigation was politically motivated or intended to financially benefit Willis. He told senators that he did not accept the position to reward anyone and that his work on the case was carried out independently.

The committee focused on reported emails and 2022 meetings involving Willis’s team, the Department of Justice, White House Counsel, and Jan. 6 committee staff. When shown documents regarding these interactions, Wade repeatedly said he did not recall the individuals or meetings in question. Wade’s attorney, Andrew Evans, criticized the hearing as a “headline grab.” “This whole thing today was just designed to make headlines,” Evans said. “The Republicans are flailing, Trump’s approval ratings are low, the midterms are coming, and they’re just trying to change the narrative. There’s nothing here.”

Sen. Dolezal expressed disappointment in Wade’s recollection. “I wish Mr. Wade had a better memory. I am grateful for him appearing and answering questions to the best of his recollection,” Dolezal said.

The hearing follows a long line of scrutiny over Willis’s actions. In December, Willis testified for more than three hours, defending the indictments and insisting she acted appropriately in prosecuting crimes committed in her jurisdiction. Questions about her prior relationship with Wade, who served under her during the investigation, were largely absent from Friday’s hearing.

The investigation itself has since unraveled due to findings of prosecutorial misconduct, and former President Trump and other defendants are now seeking millions in attorney fees. The committee has not announced whether additional witnesses will be called.