Former Trump Lawyer Resolves High-Profile Case With Undisclosed Terms
Rudolph Giuliani has officially satisfied the staggering $148 million judgment awarded to two Georgia election workers he defamed, according to a court filing on Monday. The resolution brings an end to a legal battle that underscored the consequences of baseless election fraud claims following the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Court Filing Confirms Payment
A “satisfaction of judgment” document was filed in Manhattan federal court, confirming that Giuliani had met his financial obligations to Ruby Freeman and Wandrea’ “Shaye” Moss. The two election workers won the case in December 2023 after a jury ruled that Giuliani’s false accusations had severely damaged their reputations and personal safety.
Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and longtime Trump ally, had initially resisted the massive financial penalty. However, a settlement announced on January 16 paved the way for Monday’s court filing. The terms of the settlement remain private, but Giuliani has indicated that he will retain key personal assets, including his Manhattan apartment and Palm Beach condominium.
Defamation Claims and Legal Fallout
Freeman and Moss became targets of conspiracy theories after Giuliani accused them of orchestrating a scheme to alter election results in Georgia. His claims, which were widely debunked, led to harassment and threats against the mother and daughter. The jury’s decision to award them $148 million sent a clear message about the legal risks of spreading misinformation.
The settlement avoids further legal wrangling over Giuliani’s remaining assets. Prior to the agreement, there was speculation about whether he would have to forfeit valuables such as his New York Yankees World Series rings.
Giuliani’s Ongoing Legal Battles
Even as he closes this chapter, Giuliani’s legal troubles are far from over. He still faces criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona over his role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. In both cases, he has pleaded not guilty.
Meanwhile, financial pressures continue to mount. A firm that sought unpaid legal fees from Giuliani’s now-dismissed bankruptcy case recently attempted to claim control over his Manhattan apartment. Last week, a federal judge denied that request, allowing Giuliani to hold onto the property for now.
A Broader Political and Legal Reckoning
The case against Giuliani is part of a broader effort to hold figures accountable for election-related falsehoods. Donald Trump and several of his allies remain embroiled in multiple investigations connected to attempts to overturn Joe Biden’s victory in 2020.
For Freeman and Moss, the resolution marks a significant legal victory after years of public scrutiny and threats. Their fight became emblematic of the dangers election workers faced amid the onslaught of misinformation following the election.
Giuliani, once celebrated as “America’s Mayor” for his leadership after 9/11, now finds himself navigating a legal and financial storm of his own making. Whether he can withstand the pressure of additional legal challenges remains an open question.
