The special prosecutor leading the election interference case against former President Donald J. Trump, Nathan J. Wade, has temporarily avoided testifying about alleged romantic involvement with Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis. This development arises from a temporary agreement reached in Wade’s divorce case, leaving crucial questions unanswered.

Background and Hiring of Nathan J. Wade

In 2021, Fani T. Willis appointed Nathan J. Wade, a private practice lawyer, to assist in the high-profile Trump case, citing the need for a reliable confidant. Recently, allegations from Trump’s co-defendant, Michael Roman, claim a romantic relationship between the prosecutors, along with vacations paid for by Wade. Roman argues that this constitutes a conflict of interest, potentially jeopardizing the case against Trump and his allies.

Unconfirmed Relationship Allegations

As of now, neither Wade nor Willis has confirmed or denied the allegations. A divorce hearing, where Wade was expected to address the claims, was abruptly halted with a temporary agreement announced by the judge on Tuesday.

Temporary Agreement Details

The temporary agreement, confirmed by Andrea Dyer Hastings, Wade’s divorce lawyer, negates the immediate need for a hearing but does not settle the case entirely. While issues like temporary alimony and attorneys’ fees have been resolved, the nature of the relationship allegations remains uncertain.

Financial Implications and Conflicts of Interest

Michael Roman’s filing asserts that Ms. Willis, through Wade’s legal fees and paid vacations, has been profiting significantly from the prosecution at the taxpayers’ expense, alleging a conflict of interest. Wade has reportedly received over $650,000 in legal fees since being hired by Willis in November 2021.

Impact on the Election Interference Case

Despite the allegations, the fundamental facts of the election interference case, accusing Trump and his allies of plotting to subvert the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, remain unchanged. Four of the original 19 defendants, including some of Trump’s staunch supporters, have already pleaded guilty.

Legal Uncertainty and Complications

Legal experts are divided on the strength of Roman’s filing and its potential to convince Judge Scott McAfee to remove the prosecution team. Meanwhile, the accusations have triggered an inquiry by Fulton County, requesting documents from Ms. Willis, including invoices and payments to special prosecutors.

Potential Threats to Fani T. Willis’s Prosecution

The allegations have led to serious complications for Ms. Willis. Fulton County initiated an inquiry, but the county commission lacks the authority to remove an elected district attorney. A newly established commission by Republican lawmakers, with the power to oversee prosecutors, poses a potential threat to Willis’s conduct, as it may have the ability to punish or remove Georgia prosecutors.

Lawsuit Against Fulton County District Attorney’s Office

On the same day, Michael Roman’s lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant, filed a lawsuit against the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. The lawsuit accuses the office of intentionally withholding information ahead of scheduled evidentiary hearings. Ms. Merchant highlights issues with public records requests, including missing documents such as invoices for payments to Wade and reimbursements for Willis’s travel expenses in 2023.

Correction Notice: An earlier version of this article misidentified the status of Nathan Wade’s divorce case. He and his wife reached a temporary agreement, not a settlement. The error was repeated in a headline and push notification.