Trump’s ex-lawyer Rudy Giuliani was forced to give up part of his assets, including his Mercedes, following his conviction for defaming election officials. But he clings to a collectible baseball jersey. Discover the twists and turns of the case…
Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, finds himself forced to part with some of his most valuable assets. This decision follows his conviction for defamation of two electoral agents, to whom he must pay nearly $148 million in damages. Among the seized possessions were his collectible Mercedes Benz as well as numerous luxury watches.
The 78-year-old former mayor of New York played a central role in Donald Trump’s campaign to contest the results of the 2020 presidential election. At the heart of the controversy, a video showing Ruby Freeman and his daughter Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, two employees of a polling station in Georgia, passing an object during the count. Rudy Giuliani then claimed that they exchanged a USB key “as if they were doses of heroin or cocaine” in order to falsify the results. It later turned out to be just a simple mint lozenge.
A historic conviction
In August 2023, a judge found Rudy Giuliani guilty of defamation of the two election officials, fining him a record $148 million. A historic decision which marks a turning point in the fight against electoral disinformation.
Spreading false information has consequences. Mr. Giuliani damaged the reputations of Ms. Freeman and Ms. Moss. He must take responsibility for his actions.
– The judge who pronounced the verdict
A substantial judicial seizure
To compensate the two women, a federal judge in New York last month ordered the seizure of part of the ex-lawyer’s assets. Among the goods concerned:
- His apartment in New York
- His 1980 Mercedes Benz, a collector’s model
- Lots of luxury jewelry and watches
- Collectibles, like a Joe DiMaggio autographed baseball jersey
In a letter to the judge, Giuliani’s lawyer confirmed that his client began to comply by handing over several watches, a ring and the keys to his Mercedes. However, he requests that certain goods, in particular the baseball jersey, be exempt from seizure.
An appeal and requests for postponement
Rudy Giuliani’s lawyer emphasizes that this conviction results from a criminal decision which his client appealed. He also asked the judge to postpone a trial scheduled for January 16 until January 22, 2025, so that Giuliani could attend a hypothetical inauguration ceremony of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States on January 20.
This case highlights the consequences that the spread of false information can have on the electoral process. It also raises questions about the extent of judicial seizures and the treatment of objects of sentimental value to those convicted. To be continued…
