Rudy Giuliani, former New York City mayor and Donald Trump’s personal attorney, has filed for bankruptcy in the aftermath of a $148 million defamation judgment and mounting legal bills. This dramatic move throws a spotlight on Giuliani’s dwindling finances and the consequences of his involvement in contentious legal battles.
The bankruptcy filing comes just days after a Georgia jury ordered Giuliani to pay $148 million in damages to two poll workers he falsely accused of election fraud. This massive judgment, one of the largest defamation awards in U.S. history, was a major blow to Giuliani’s already strained financial situation.
In the bankruptcy petition, Giuliani claims liabilities ranging from $100 million to $500 million, exceeding his reported assets of $1 million to $10 million. Among the creditors he lists are the Internal Revenue Service, seeking unpaid taxes, and Hunter Biden, who is suing Giuliani for allegedly taking his laptop and violating his privacy.
Giuliani’s bankruptcy declaration raises numerous questions about his future, both financially and legally. It remains unclear whether he can protect himself from the hefty damages awarded in the defamation case or how his other ongoing legal challenges will be affected.
The bankruptcy filing could also potentially impact Giuliani’s ongoing work as a lawyer. Some states limit or revoke the legal licenses of attorneys who declare bankruptcy, making it uncertain whether he will be able to continue practicing law.
