Rudy Giuliani, the embattled former mayor of New York City, admitted he is in “really deep trouble” financially but praised President-elect Donald Trump for being “enormously supportive personally.” Giuliani made the remarks during an interview with One America News Network host Matt Gaetz, just days after being found in contempt of court in a high-profile defamation case.
On Monday, Giuliani was ordered to turn over assets, including a Mercedes-Benz convertible and luxury watches, as part of the $148 million judgment against him for defaming Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. The case stems from Giuliani’s false claims that Freeman and Moss helped steal the 2020 presidential election for Joe Biden. Giuliani had previously been forced to give up his multi-million-dollar Manhattan apartment.
During the interview, Gaetz asked Giuliani whether Trump was assisting him with his legal defense. “He is,” Giuliani responded. “And he has. Back when I was really in deep trouble, and we had nothing, he did a fundraiser for me at Bedminster… and he’s been enormously supportive personally.”
The acknowledgment highlights Giuliani’s ongoing financial struggles, which have worsened as legal judgments mount against him. Freeman and Moss, who worked as election workers in Georgia during the 2020 election, successfully sued Giuliani after his baseless accusations led to threats and harassment against them.
Giuliani’s legal and financial troubles are part of a broader fallout from his role in amplifying false claims about the 2020 election. Once celebrated for his leadership after 9/11, Giuliani’s reputation has since suffered as he faces mounting lawsuits, investigations, and professional setbacks.
Trump’s support for Giuliani appears to reflect their enduring personal and political alliance, even as Giuliani’s legal battles deepen. While Trump held a fundraiser at his Bedminster golf club, it remains unclear how much financial assistance Giuliani has received or whether it will be enough to alleviate his significant legal debts.
The defamation judgment against Giuliani underscores the legal consequences for spreading false claims, particularly those that harm private citizens like Freeman and Moss. As Giuliani navigates his financial and legal challenges, his relationship with Trump remains a focal point in his ongoing struggles.