The criminal trial against Donald Trump out of Georgia has been met with a serious setback. The district attorney who launched the indictment has been accused of hiring her partner, making him the lead on the case.

Hearings were held, as Willis was accused of abusing her power and creating a conflict of interest.

The judge over the Trump case was forced to decide Willis’s fate. Now, he has issued a verdict that is not going over well with Democrats. The anti-Trump prosecutor has to make one of two choices. And neither will be good for her case.

From NBC News:
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee found the “appearance of impropriety” brought about by Willis’ romantic relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade should result in either Willis and her office leaving the case — or just Wade, whom she’d appointed to head the case.

The choice is likely to be an easy one: If Willis were to remove herself, the case would come to a halt, but having Wade leave will ensure the case continues without further delay.

The judge said the prosecution “cannot proceed” until Willis makes a decision.

Judge Scott McAfee ruled that committed “impropriety” when she hired her partner Nathan Wade and paid him a high salary. Now, she is forced to leave this case—which she appeared to be staking her career on—or she must fire her boyfriend.

Defendants have claimed Willis and Wade used his high salary to go on luxurious trips together. Some critics claim that the entire case against Trump should be thrown out, because of Willis’s inappropriate behavior.

This scandal will no doubt tarnish the legitimacy of this trial in the minds of many Americans. Willis has accused Trump of being a criminal, yet it appears she has exploited her position of power for her own benefit.

The judge blasted DA Willis for her “tremendous lapse in judgment” and her “unprofessional manner” during her testimony. It seems this scandal will derail any future political promotion Willis was expecting from indicting a former president.

UPDATE: Wade has stepped down as special prosecutor, and for now Willis intents to remain on the case.

Key Takeaways:

• The court ordered DA Willis to leave the Trump trial or fire her boyfriend.
• This comes after she was accused of conflicts of interest by hiring Nathan Wade.
• The judge ruled she showed a “tremendous lapse in judgment” and “unprofessional” behavior.

Source: NBC News