A federal judge has ordered Rudy Giuliani to transfer a substantial portion of his assets to two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who have been pursuing a defamation judgment against him. The decision was announced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman.
The court’s order includes the seizure of Giuliani’s New York City apartment, a Mercedes-Benz, luxury watches, and cash, among other possessions. Freeman and Moss are now appointed as receivers, allowing them to sell these assets immediately.
Giuliani has been given a seven-day deadline to comply with the order, which also permits Freeman and Moss to pursue Giuliani’s claim against former President Trump for legal fees related to post-2020 election work. While Giuliani agreed to most of the order, he contested the ability of the election workers to sue Trump until after the election and is currently attempting to keep his Palm Beach, Florida, condo by designating it as his homestead.
This ruling comes in the wake of a 2023 jury verdict that found Giuliani liable for defaming Freeman and Moss by falsely accusing them of election fraud, resulting in a $146 million judgment against him. Giuliani had attempted to freeze the judgment and other lawsuits by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but a judge dismissed his bankruptcy case due to lack of transparency, paving the way for the election workers to collect their judgment.
Despite the sizable amount awarded, Freeman and Moss are likely to receive significantly less, as Giuliani disclosed only $10.6 million in assets during the bankruptcy proceedings.
Aaron Nathan, attorney for Freeman and Moss, expressed optimism about the outcome, stating, “We are proud that our clients will finally begin to receive some of the compensation to which they are entitled for Giuliani’s actions. This outcome should send a powerful message that there is a price to pay for those who choose to intentionally spread disinformation.”
In addition to his apartment and car, Giuliani is required to relinquish a variety of items, including a television, furniture, signed baseball memorabilia, 26 watches, and nonexempt cash from his checking accounts. Some of the watches were reportedly gifts from foreign leaders following the 9/11 attacks.
The judge deferred a decision regarding Giuliani’s three Yankees World Series rings, as his son, Andrew, claims they were gifted to him and argues that the election workers should not be entitled to them. A hearing on this matter is scheduled for October 28, while a bench trial concerning Giuliani’s Palm Beach condo is set for January 16, 2025.
As the situation unfolds, Giuliani faces mounting pressure to comply with the court’s orders or risk losing his assets altogether.