Muslim advocacy group sues Abbott saying university executive order violates free speech
Abbott’s executive order directs Texas universities to “review and update free speech policies to address the sharp rise in antisemitic speech.”
2 foreign nationals in ICE custody after attempted breach at major Marine base
Two foreign nationals are now in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after an attempt to breach a Marine Corps base this month, officials confirmed Thursday. The incident happened on May 3 at Quantico Marine Corps Base in Virginia. A spokesperson for the base said two people in a box truck were stopped at one of the gates. The driver told military police officers they were making a delivery to the Post Office and worked for a company subcontracted by Amazon. Because they had no affiliation to the base and no approved credentials, they were directed to a holding area for vetting. NEW DATA REVEALS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ELUDING BORDER PATROL SPIKED UNDER BIDEN, SURPASSING PREDECESSORS “It was at that time, one of the military police officers noticed the driver, ignoring the direct instructions of the officers, continued to move the vehicle past the holding area and attempted to access Marine Corps Base Quantico,” spokesperson Capt. Michael Curtis said in a statement. “Due to the swift response and execution of their duties, the officers were able to deploy the vehicle denial barriers, prevent any further access to Marine Corps Base Quantico, and detain the individuals who were eventually turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.” No injuries were sustained and officers did not report any weapons. The breach had first been reported by Potomac Local News. On Thursday, Fox News asked Acting ICE Director Patrick Lechleitner about the case, and he said he was familiar with the case and that the two nationals are in removal proceedings. BORDER PATROL OFFICIALS SAY THREAT POSED BY ‘GOTAWAYS’ AT SOUTHERN BORDER ‘KEEPS US UP AT NIGHT’ ICE sources confirmed to Fox News that both suspects are Jordanian nationals. Lechleitner was asked if he could confirm reports that at least one of them was on the terror watch list and if they were in the country illegally. ILLEGAL MIGRANTS FROM THIS FOREIGN ADVERSARY ARE INCREASINGLY CROSSING BORDER “I can’t confirm anything like that right now,” he said. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked at the White House briefing about the incident, and she confirmed they were in ICE custody. “So, I’m going to be really mindful, these two Jordanians that you’re speaking of remain in ICE custody, and given that it is an active law enforcement matter, so I would have to refer you to ICE,” she said. Fox News’ Peter Doocy contributed to this report. Get the latest updates on the ongoing border crisis from the Fox News Digital immigration hub.
Fox News Politics: Check Your Privilege
Welcome to Fox News’ Politics newsletter with the latest political news from Washington D.C. and updates from the 2024 campaign trail. What’s happening? – Michael Cohen wraps up another day of testimony in Trump trial – Democrats annoyed over Biden’s flip-flopping on Israel weapons – Biden camp agrees to debate between Kamala and Trump VP The White House asserted executive privilege over audio and video recordings of Special Counsel Robert Hur’s interviews with President Biden during the classified documents investigation. “It is the longstanding position of the executive branch held by administrations of both parties that an official who asserts the President’s claim of executive privilege cannot be prosecuted for criminal contempt of Congress,” Associate Attorney General Carlos Uriarte wrote in a letter Thursday to Reps. Jim Jordan and James Comer, chairmen of the Committee on the Judiciary and Committee on Oversight and Accountability. The Judiciary Committee voted to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt Thursday afternoon, setting up a potential House floor vote. The White House noted that Biden asserted privilege at the request of the DOJ. Hur led the investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents following his departure as vice president under the Obama administration. Hur announced in February that he would not recommend criminal charges against Biden for possessing classified materials after his vice presidency, citing that Biden is “a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” ‘THEY SUCK’: Even Democrats annoyed by Biden’s flip-flops on U.S. weapons to Israel …Read more ‘UNPRECEDENTED’ AND ‘UNFOUNDED’: Garland rips effort to hold him in contempt after Biden asserts executive privilege over Hur audio …Read more ‘MUST APOLOGIZE’: Vulnerable House Dem faces backlash over resurfaced comparison involving 9/11 terrorist …Read more GOP SHOW OF FORCE: House Republicans join Trump in court amid ongoing Cohen testimony …Read more AGENCY UNDER FIRE: Lawmakers demand travel info after voter registration claims …Read more ‘POLITICIZED PROSECUTION’: Jordan slams lead prosecutor in NY v. Trump trial for alleged obsession with Trump …Read more FOX NEWS POLL: Voters reveal ‘deal-breaker’ issues in 2024 elections …Read more CHALLENGE ACCEPTED: Biden campaign accepts invitation for debate between Kamala Harris and whoever Trump’s running mate will be …Read more ‘WEIRDLY HELP’: NBC host says Biden should want RFK Jr on debate stage because of his vocal issue …Read more SKEPTICAL PSAKI: Jen Psaki argues that Biden-Trump debate plans may fail …Read more ‘MOBILIZE SUPPORT’: Top Jewish Republican group steps up fundraising efforts for Trump …Read more GOTTA HAVE FAITH: Trump’s potential running mates to compete for approval at major Christian conference as speculation swirls …Read more ‘MY MARYLAND’: Top Democrats praise Republican aiming to flip key Senate seat in deep blue state …Read more ‘EXTREMELY ALARMING’: Illegal immigrant arrests from this foreign foe hit new highs …Read more SUPREME DECISION: Supreme Court rules in favor of Elizabeth Warren’s brainchild CFPB …Read more Subscribe now to get Fox News Politics newsletter in your inbox. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
Trump warns trouble brewing with strengthened Russia-China ties as he’s stuck in ‘icebox’ courtroom
Former President Donald Trump warned that as he sits in the “icebox” Manhattan courtroom, China and Russia are strengthening their relationship, which he says poses danger to the U.S. and world. “President Xi of China, I know him well. President Putin of Russia, I know him well. They’re right now together working on plans, where they combine — where they get together and do damage. Because that’s ultimately what they’re thinking about: doing damage,” Trump said Thursday outside of the Manhattan courtroom. “And you take a look at what President Xi said today. He fully expects to take Taiwan. He made that statement today. That’s a big statement and I’m sitting here in an icebox.” Trump rattled off other issues causing him concern, including inflation, the economy and an electric vehicle mandate, but argued the China-Russia meeting was “maybe worse than anything.” PUTIN AND XI REAFFIRM ‘NO-LIMITS’ PARTNERSHIP AS MOSCOW INTENSIFIES OFFENSIVE IN UKRAINE “I’m sitting here listening to a case that even people from CNN and MSDNC say should never be brought. I’ve been sitting here for almost four weeks, and we still have a long way to go,” Trump added. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met in Beijing Thursday, where the two pledged to strengthen their countries’ ties with one another. “This partnership is without a doubt exemplary for how the relationship between neighboring states should be,” Putin said, according to Politico. “Our cooperation in global affairs today is one of the main stabilizing factors in the global arena.” Xi said China is ready to “uphold fairness and justice in the world.” BIDEN DRIVING CHINA, RUSSIA INTO ‘SHOCKING’ PARTNERSHIP, EXPERT WARNS: ‘BLUNDER OF THE HIGHEST ORDER’ “The China-Russia relationship today is hard-earned, and the two sides need to cherish and nurture it,” Xi added. In a joint statement, the two leaders also condemned the U.S. for what they said was “hegemonic attempts” to “change the balance of power in Northeast Asia by building up military power and creating military blocs and coalitions.” TRUMP TRIAL VEEPSTAKES? TRUMP ALLIES SHOW UP IN FORCE AHEAD OF MICHAEL COHEN’S SECOND DAY OF TESTIMONY The meeting came as Russia advanced on Ukraine’s Kharkiv region in a war that has raged since February of 2022. As war rages in Ukraine and also Israel, the world has braced for China potentially invading Taiwan, which operates as an independent country separate from China. Trump’s warning about China and Russia came as he wrapped up his 18th day in Manhattan court, where he is facing 34 counts of falsifying business records. JIM JORDAN DEMANDS NY AG HAND OVER DOCUMENTS RELATED TO FORMER DOJ OFFICIAL AT HEART OF NY V. TRUMP Thursday’s day in court heard continued cross-examination testimony from former Trump attorney Michael Cohen. The case focuses on the prosecution team working to prove Trump falsified business records 34 times to conceal a $130,000 payment to former pornography star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election to quiet her claims of an affair with Trump. Trump has pleaded not guilty in the case and has maintained his innocence. On Thursday, Trump’s legal team peppered Cohen with questions regarding his history of lying under oath, dating back to 2017, including to Congress about a Trump Tower Moscow project and to federal investigators from special counsel Robert Mueller’s office. NY V TRUMP: HOUSE GOP FIREBRANDS FLANK TRUMP OUTSIDE MANHATTAN COURTROOM Cohen’s testimony, which began Monday, has also included him describing that he used his personal funds to pay Daniels in 2016 through a home equity line of credit, which he concealed from his wife. Cohen testified he used his personal funds because Trump told him to “handle it” because the story could be damaging to the campaign. Cohen said he was “reimbursed $420,000” for the payment, a sum he said was “grossed up” to prevent loss of funds to taxes, and argued that Trump was aware of the details of the payments. The checks themselves were described as a “retainer,” which Cohen said was a false description. Cohen will resume his testimony Monday morning under cross-examination, though Trump’s legal team said they expect to wrap up questioning early Monday morning. Closing arguments could begin as early as Tuesday. TRUMP PERMITTED TO ATTEND SON BARRON’S GRADUATION AFTER RIPPING TRIAL JUDGE FOR DELAYING DECISION Court will not be held on Friday, as Trump is traveling to his home in Florida to attend his son Barron Trump’s high school graduation. Trump said in his remarks to the media Thursday afternoon that the court is trying to “rush” the trial ahead of the 2024 election. “They’re trying to rush to get it done before the election, so that they can harm me so they can hurt their political opponent,” Trump said.
Menendez co-defendants reveal strategy to beat the rap in high-stakes corruption trial
The federal government’s case in its corruption prosecution of Sen. Bob Menendez amounts to mere guilt by association, attorneys for the New Jersey Democrat’s co-defendants, Wael Hana and Fred Daibes, said Thursday in their opening statements. Lawrence Lustberg, Hana’s attorney, told the jury the prosecution’s case is about criminalizing friendships, gift giving and business successes after failure. He argued the charges against his client are guilt by association, which cannot incriminate him in a case, and urged the jury to consider how much of this case is guilt by association. JURY PICKED, OPENING STATEMENTS BEGIN IN US V. MENENDEZ: ‘USE YOUR GOOD JUDGMENT’ Lustberg said Hana and the senator’s wife, Nadine Menendez, “supported each other emotionally as well as financially … like brother and sister. They cared about each other.” The defense portrayed their relationship as one of mutual aid rather than corruption. Nadine helped Hana restart his life after setbacks, while Hana assisted Nadine with a loan when she faced financial difficulties. They exchanged gifts, with Hana’s becoming more lavish as his business prospered. The defense urged the jury to consider the evidence impartially, emphasizing cultural norms regarding gift giving, particularly citing the exchange of gold bars commonly practiced in the Middle East. “Listen to the evidence with an open mind,” Lustberg said. TRUMP VP CONTENDERS, SITTING SENATORS HEADLINE MENENDEZ TRIAL POTENTIAL WITNESS LIST The defense refuted allegations of bribery, highlighting instances where Hana declined requests for additional financial assistance from Nadine Menendez. They assert loans were given, not bribes, and were repaid accordingly. Lustberg also contested the notion of a quid pro quo, emphasizing Hana’s merit in securing contracts based on his professional credentials rather than any undue influence from Menendez. US V. MENENDEZ: DEM SENATOR’S CORRUPTION TRIAL KICKS OFF WITH SURPRISING DELAY Likewise, Cesar De Castro, Daibes’ attorney, underscored the presumption of innocence his client is due by the jury. He paralleled the defense’s argument to that of Hana’s counsel, emphasizing the importance of long-standing friendships and legitimate investments rather than alleged corruption. De Castro acknowledged the exchange of gold bars and cash by his client but dismissed them as innocent gestures, not bribery. He underscored Daibes’ generosity and wealth, portraying him as a philanthropic figure who invests in his loved ones. All three alleged conspirators have pleaded not guilty, but co-defendant Jose Uribe, who will not testify this week, has pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against the other defendants. A trial for the senator’s wife, Nadine, who is also charged and has also pleaded not guilty, is delayed until at least July for health reasons as she battles Stage 3 breast cancer. The case may extend anywhere from 6-8 weeks. This is the second time in a decade Menendez has been accused in a federal corruption case. Menendez was charged by federal prosecutors with obstruction of justice in a superseding indictment unsealed in March relating to a multiyear alleged bribery scheme involving the governments of Egypt and Qatar. The 18-page indictment is wrapped into Menendez’s existing charges already against him and his co-defendants, including wife Nadine, for allegedly acting as a foreign agent and accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to benefit the Egyptian government through his power and influence as a senator.
Join us for a June 18 conversation on protecting Texas’ coastline
We’ll talk about efforts to protect our coast and what we need to know as we enter another hurricane season.
White House: Biden asserted executive privilege over Hur recordings at request of Attorney General Garland
The White House on Thursday revealed that President Biden asserted executive privilege over audio and video recordings of his interviews with Special Counsel Robert Hur at the request of Attorney General Merrick Garland. During a media briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said it was Garland’s suggestion that “law enforcement files like these need to be protected.” “And so the president made his determination at the request of the attorney general,” Jean-Pierre told reporters. She referred further questions to the White House counsel’s office. The Department of Justice on Thursday informed House Republicans investigating Biden that the executive branch would not turn over subpoenaed materials from Hur’s investigation. BIDEN ASSERTS EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE OVER RECORDINGS FROM CLASSIFIED DOCUMENTS PROBE “It is the longstanding position of the executive branch held by administrations of both parties that an official who asserts the President’s claim of executive privilege cannot be prosecuted for criminal contempt of Congress,” Associate Attorney General Carlos Uriarte wrote to Reps. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and James Comer, R-Ky., chairmen of the Committee on the Judiciary and Committee on Oversight and Accountability, respectively. Hur led the investigation into Biden’s handling of classified documents following his departure as vice president under the Obama administration. Hur announced in February that he would not recommend criminal charges against Biden for possessing classified materials after his vice presidency, citing that Biden is “a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.” BIDEN, NOT SPECIAL COUNSEL HUR, BROUGHT UP SON’S DEATH IN QUESTIONING Hur wrote in the report that “it would be difficult” to convince a jury to convict Biden of any willful crime, citing his advanced age. The findings sparked widespread outrage that Biden was effectively deemed too cognitively impaired to be charged with a crime but could serve as president. Trump has meanwhile slammed the disparity in charges as a reflection of a “sick and corrupt, two-tiered system of justice in our country.” JUSTICE DEPARTMENT REBUKED FOR DELAY TACTICS IN BIDEN-HUR TAPES Biden met with Hur for about five hours last year, when he was grilled about his handling of the classified documents. After Republicans received news that Biden had invoked executive privilege to protect that testimony, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., accused the president of being “afraid” to release the tapes. “President Biden is apparently afraid for the citizens of this country and everyone to hear those tapes,” Johnson said at a news conference. “They obviously confirm what the Special Counsel has found, and would likely cause I suppose, in his estimation, such alarm with the American people that the president is using all of his power to suppress their release.” Asked to respond to the speaker, Jean-Pierre insisted the president had nothing to hide since transcripts of his interview with Hur have been made publicly available for months. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “The transcripts are already out there. They’ve been out there, they have been released to the public,” she told reporters. “The public has an opportunity to hear directly from the president and what, or to read what exactly the president said. The attorney general made it clear that law enforcement files like these need to be protected. And that’s the determination that was made.” Jean-Pierre deferred to the attorney general and the president when asked why the audio and video must be protected when the transcript has already been released. Fox News Digital’s Emma Colton, David Spunt and Brooke Singman contributed to this update.
These 3 university presidents will be testifying in House GOP’s antisemitism probe next week
Three university presidents will be summoned to Capitol Hill next week to testify as part of the House Education and Workforce Committee’s investigation into antisemitism on college campuses. The heads of Northwestern University, the University of California Los Angeles, and Rutgers University will participate in a May 23 hearing titled, “Calling For Accountability: Stopping Antisemitic College Chaos,” committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., said recently. It’s a change from previously announced plans earlier this month to have the heads of Yale University and Michigan University testify. They will instead participate in a closed-door transcribed interview. CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY-LINKED NETWORK BEHIND ‘WELL-FUNDED’ ANTI-ISRAEL CAMPUS PROTESTS, GROUP SAYS Fox News Digital reached out to the committee to inquire when that closed-door interview will be held. “Over the last several days, the presidents of Northwestern and Rutgers have made shocking concessions to the unlawful antisemitic encampments on their campuses,” Foxx said last week. “They have surrendered to antisemitic radicals in despicable displays of cowardice. As a result of these gravely concerning actions, the Committee believes it’s necessary to reevaluate the scope of the May 23 hearing and bring in the presidents of Northwestern and Rutgers—along with UCLA—to testify before the Committee.” NORTH CAROLINA BILL TO STOP PROTESTERS FROM USING MASKS TO HIDE IDENTITIES ADVANCES WITHOUT HEALTH EXEMPTION “Yale and Michigan are by no means off the hook. Presidents Salovey and Ono will be required to appear before the Committee for transcribed interviews at a later date or risk deposition and subpoena.” Fox News Digital reached out to Yale and Michigan University for comment. Anti-Israel agitators at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, packed up their tents earlier this month after administrators agreed to eight of their 10 demands. The state university agreed to establish an Arab Cultural Center and to not retaliate against any students involved in the camp. HARVARD STRIKES DEAL WITH ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS TO END ENCAMPMENT BEFORE COMMENCEMENT Chancellor Francine Conway noted protesters’ request for divestment from companies doing business with Israel and for Rutgers to cut ties with Tel Aviv University. She said the request is under review, but “such decisions fall outside of our administrative scope.” Activity at Northwestern University in Illinois abated after protesters reached an agreement with administrators. The deal curbed protest activity in return for the reestablishment of an advisory committee on university investments and other commitments.
16 Dems vote with GOP to rebuke Biden’s pausing Israel weapons shipment
Several House Democrats defied the White House to support a bill rebuking President Biden for withholding offensive aid from Israel on Thursday. The Israel Security Assistance Support Act would condemn the president’s posture on Israel’s Gaza invasion while compelling the Biden administration to expeditiously send any weapons shipments already approved by Congress. It passed in a 224 to 187 vote, with 16 Democrats joining 208 Republicans in advancing the bill. Democrats who supported it include Reps. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y.; Darren Soto, D-Fla.; Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y.; Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash.; and Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, among others. Three Republicans also voted against the bill – Reps. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio; Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.; and Thomas Massie, R-Ky. CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY-LINKED NETWORK BEHIND ‘WELL-FUNDED’ ANTI-ISRAEL CAMPUS PROTESTS, GROUP SAYS “President Biden’s decision to withhold weapons approved by myself, the chairman and the ranking member and appropriated by Congress, defied congressional intent and is tantamount to an arms embargo,” House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said during debate for the bill. “Red lines are meant for our enemies. Red lines are not meant for our allies and our friends. But that’s precisely what this administration is doing to Israel.” The bill would also withhold funding from the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State and the National Security Council if there was any delay in weapons aid. “House Democrats have made it clear they’d rather stand in solidarity with terrorists than support our strongest ally in the Middle East,” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., the No. 3 House Republican leader, told Fox News Digital. But opponents of the bill argued that it could set a dangerous precedent for restricting a president’s ability to conduct foreign policy. It comes after Biden faced bipartisan backlash from pro-Israel lawmakers for pausing a bomb shipment from Israel over fears it could be used in Rafah, as well as for warning Israel that the U.S. would not send offensive weapons if they were used on population centers in the southern Gaza Strip. However, Thursday’s vote happened days after Biden announced he was moving forward with a $1 billion weapons shipment to Israel, according to reports. UN FINALLY RECOGNIZES THAT ISRAELI WOMEN WERE RAPED, SEXUALLY ATTACKED BY HAMAS TERRORISTS Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has already said he does not plan to take up the bill, citing the White House’s threat to veto the measure if it hit Biden’s desk. “The bill is a misguided reaction to a deliberate distortion of the Administration’s approach to Israel. The President has been clear: we will always ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself,” the White House said earlier this week. “Furthermore, this bill, if enacted, could lead to spiraling unintended consequences, prohibiting the United States from adjusting our security assistance posture with respect to Israel in any way, including to address unanticipated emergent needs, even if Israel and the United States agree that military needs have changed and supplies should change accordingly.” REPORTS OF BIDEN WHITE HOUSE KEEPING ‘SENSITIVE’ HAMAS INTEL FROM ISRAEL DRAWS OUTRAGE House Democratic leaders were also actively encouraging their caucus to vote against the bill. Israel has proven to be a politically fraught topic for the Democratic Party, with a growing number of lawmakers voicing concern about Israel’s invasion of Gaza in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack. It’s revealed fractures between more moderate and traditional Democrats’ views on the U.S.-Israel relationship and progressives who are increasingly critical of those close ties.
Trump files notice of appeal to disqualify DA Fani Willis from Georgia case
Former President Trump on Thursday filed a notice of appeal to the Georgia Court of Appeals formalizing his bid to overturn a court decision and disqualify Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis from the case against him. Last week, the appeals court said it would hear the case raised by Trump and several co-defendants that Willis should be disqualified because she had an “improper” affair with special counsel Nathan Wade, whom she hired. Mark Meadows, Rudy Giuliani, Cathy Latham and Michael Roman all filed their notices of appeal Monday in the case, joining former Georgia GOP head David Shafer in kicking off the briefing processes before the court. President Trump’s lawyers filed the 45th president’s notice of appeal Thursday. The Fulton County Superior Court Clerk now has to prepare the official record in the case and send it to the Court of Appeals. TRUMP CO-DEFENDANTS OFFICIALLY FILE NOTICES OF APPEAL TO KICK FANI WILLIS OFF GA CASE The earliest the Court of Appeals could hear this appeal would be August, and the latest would be spring 2025. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ruled in March that Wade had to be removed to keep Willis from disqualification in the sweeping racketeering case against Trump. Trump and several co-defendants alleged Willis and Wade were romantically involved prior to his hiring and that she financially benefited from the relationship. Willis and Wade denied those allegations. GEORGIA SENATORS FIND LITTLE OVERSIGHT OVER HOW FANI WILLIS SPENDS TAXPAYER DOLLARS: ‘LIKE THE WILD WEST’ Judge McAfee allowed the defense to appeal his ruling, and the appeals court announced last week it will hear the defense’s case to have Willis disqualified. “President Trump looks forward to presenting interlocutory arguments to the Georgia Court of Appeals as to why the case should be dismissed and Fulton County DA Willis should be disqualified for her misconduct in this unjustified, unwarranted political persecution,” Trump lawyer Steve Sadow said in a statement. McAfee’s ruling in March said the defendants “failed to meet their burden of proving that the District Attorney acquired an actual conflict of interest in this case through her personal relationship and recurring travels with her lead prosecutor. “However, the established record now highlights a significant appearance of impropriety that infects the current structure of the prosecution team — an appearance that must be removed through the State’s selection of one of two options,” he wrote, adding Willis and her office could choose to step aside or Wade could withdraw from the case. Wade subsequently resigned from his post as special prosecutor. The co-defendants had alleged Willis benefited financially by hiring Wade because they were in a relationship when he was hired in 2021 and would vacation together. NATHAN WADE SPEAKS OUT ON ‘WORKPLACE ROMANCE’ WITH FULTON COUNTY DA FANI WILLIS: ‘AMERICAN AS APPLE PIE’ Both Wade and Willis denied they were in a romantic relationship prior to his hiring and that the couple would split the costs of their shared travels. Willis said she reimbursed Wade for her share of the trips in cash. In his March order, McAfee said while Willis’ “reimbursement practice” was “unusual and the lack of any documentary corroboration understandably concerning,” he ultimately decided the defendants did not present “sufficient evidence” that expenses weren’t “roughly divided evenly.” He also said “the evidence demonstrated that the financial gain flowing from her relationship with Wade was not a motivating factor on the part of the District Attorney to indict and prosecute this case.” In February, Judge McAfee held a two-day evidence hearing, when the defense, led by attorney Ashley Merchant, set out to expose a money trail that would mean Willis has a conflict of interest in the case against Trump and should be disqualified. “[T]he Court finds that the record made at the evidentiary hearing established that the District Attorney’s prosecution is encumbered by an appearance of impropriety,” McAfee wrote in his order. “As the case moves forward, reasonable members of the public could easily be left to wonder whether the financial exchanges have continued resulting in some form of benefit to the District Attorney, or even whether the romantic relationship has resumed. “Put differently, an outsider could reasonably think that the District Attorney is not exercising her independent professional judgment totally free of any compromising influences. As long as Wade remains on the case, this unnecessary perception will persist.” When the defense in March submitted a joint motion for a certificate of immediate review, McAfee said his order on the defendants’ motions to dismiss and disqualify the Fulton County district attorney issued March 15 “is of such importance to the case that immediate review should be had” and allowed the defendants to ask the Georgia appeals court for an opportunity to appeal, which the court granted Wednesday. Fox News’ Clauda Kelly-Bazan contributed to this report.