Former New York City Mayor and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani faces an urgent legal ultimatum as a federal judge orders him to turn over assets, including his classic car, valuable watches, and sports memorabilia, to settle a defamation case. Giuliani, who has expressed deep financial strain, publicly claims he can barely afford basic necessities as the deadline looms. The court mandate comes after Giuliani’s failure to pay damages awarded in a lawsuit brought by Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, Georgia election workers whom Giuliani defamed in 2020.
The high-profile defamation case follows claims by Giuliani that Freeman and Moss, who worked in Fulton County during the 2020 election, engaged in voter fraud—allegations that have since been proven false and harmful. Earlier this year, a judge ruled in favor of Freeman and Moss, awarding them a substantial financial settlement for damages caused by Giuliani’s false claims. Giuliani, however, has yet to pay the ordered amount and now faces significant consequences for non-compliance.
To enforce payment, the judge recently ruled that Giuliani must transfer valuable personal assets, including the title and keys to his prized classic car and a collection of watches. The assets, deemed sufficient to meet a portion of the owed damages, are scheduled to be surrendered by the end of the week. Additional items targeted for repossession include sports memorabilia and furniture, with the judge warning of potential contempt sanctions if Giuliani fails to comply by the deadline.
Giuliani, appearing frustrated and combative in recent court appearances, argues that he is facing severe financial hardship and claims that the forced asset transfers leave him unable to buy essentials. “I can’t buy food,” Giuliani declared in a brief statement to reporters outside the courtroom. He has repeatedly cited mounting legal fees from multiple ongoing cases as a drain on his finances, describing the situation as dire. Giuliani’s legal team has also raised concerns over the perceived severity of the asset forfeiture, arguing that his situation calls for a reevaluation of payment terms rather than such drastic measures.
The former Trump attorney’s financial woes are exacerbated by his involvement in several high-profile legal battles. Alongside his defamation case, Giuliani is also defending himself in cases related to his role in the January 6th Capitol riots and various election-related investigations. Reports indicate that Giuliani has faced difficulties in paying his legal team, and recent filings reveal ongoing attempts to secure funds to meet his legal obligations.
Legal experts note that Giuliani’s failure to comply with the asset forfeiture order could lead to contempt sanctions, further compounding his legal challenges. “The judge has provided Giuliani with a clear deadline and an opportunity to avoid additional penalties by surrendering these assets,” explains New York attorney Daniel Crane. “Failure to meet this deadline risks escalating his already precarious situation and could result in harsher consequences, including possible jail time for contempt.”
The case has drawn significant public attention, with some expressing sympathy for Giuliani’s situation and others pointing to the potential accountability he now faces for his post-election actions. Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, the plaintiffs, have remained largely silent during the recent developments, though their legal team emphasizes the importance of holding public figures accountable for misinformation and defamation.
As the deadline approaches, Giuliani’s attorneys are reportedly exploring all available options, including potential negotiations to delay the asset surrender. However, the judge’s order remains firm, with any delay or failure to meet the terms likely to intensify Giuliani’s legal troubles. Giuliani’s next steps remain uncertain, but the outcome could set a precedent for accountability in cases involving defamation and public figures.
