In a stunning courtroom outburst, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani declared to a federal judge that he is unable to pay his bills. The heated exchange took place during a hearing regarding the $150 million defamation judgment Giuliani owes to two Georgia election workers he falsely accused of fraud.
Courtroom sketches captured the dramatic scene as an irate Giuliani, 80, pointed at Judge Lewis Liman and exclaimed, “I can’t pay my bills! Everything I have is tied up, they have put stop orders on my business accounts!” The former mayor’s fall from grace has been swift and severe since his days as “America’s Mayor” in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.
From Celebrated Prosecutor to Disgraced Trump Ally
Giuliani first rose to prominence as a hard-charging federal prosecutor who took on organized crime in New York City. He then served two terms as mayor, earning widespread praise for his leadership following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. However, his reputation began to unravel when he aligned himself with Donald Trump during the real estate mogul’s controversial presidential campaign.
As Trump’s personal attorney, Giuliani became embroiled in scandals that led to Trump’s first impeachment in 2019. He then played a central role in promoting baseless claims of voter fraud after Trump’s 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. This work not only resulted in criminal charges against Giuliani, to which he has pleaded not guilty, but also the massive defamation judgment in favor of Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, the Georgia election workers he falsely maligned.
Assets Surrendered, But Giuliani Claims Poverty
During the contentious hearing, Giuliani’s lawyer revealed that his client had turned over assets including a Mercedes Benz sports car once owned by Hollywood icon Lauren Bacall. However, attorneys for Freeman and Moss argued that while they had received the vehicle, Giuliani had not provided the title to the car. They also claimed to have gained access to Giuliani’s $5 million Manhattan apartment but had not secured “the keys, stock, or proprietary lease.”
I did apply for it! What am I supposed to do, make it up myself? Your implication that I have not been diligent about it is totally incorrect.
– Rudy Giuliani to Judge Lewis Liman
Giuliani interrupted the judge several times during the hearing, insisting that he had been diligent in his efforts to comply with court orders. When Judge Liman suggested that the former mayor, as a competent person and former U.S. Attorney, should be able to apply for a car title, Giuliani erupted, claiming he had already done so before launching into his tirade about his inability to pay his debts.
Judge Denies Giuliani’s Requests for Delays
Giuliani’s lawyer sought to extend deadlines in the case, citing his recent engagement after previous attorneys withdrew. However, Judge Liman denied the request, stating, “You can’t restart the clock by firing one counsel and hiring another. He has already received multiple extensions and missed multiple deadlines.”
The judge also rejected a request to postpone the January 16 trial regarding whether Giuliani must surrender additional assets, including his Florida home and four New York Yankees World Series rings, to satisfy the judgment. Giuliani’s lawyer had asked for a delay so his client could attend inaugural events for Trump, who Giuliani bizarrely claimed would be sworn in as president on January 20, despite losing the 2020 election.
Giuliani Lashes Out at Judge, Remains Defiant
After the hearing, a defiant Giuliani told reporters that Judge Liman was “going to rule against me” and claimed the judge had a “serious leftwing Democrat” background. He also remained unrepentant about defaming Freeman and Moss, stating, “I regret the persecution I have been put through.”
If you were sitting in the courtroom and couldn’t figure it out, you’re stupid.
– Rudy Giuliani to reporters
The shocking revelations about Giuliani’s financial troubles and his defiant attitude have left many questioning how the once-respected figure could have fallen so far. As the legal battles continue, the full extent of the consequences Giuliani faces for his role in promoting Trump’s baseless election fraud claims remains to be seen. For now, the man once hailed as a hero finds himself portrayed as a penniless pariah, raging against the very system he once served.
