Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been disbarred by a New York Appellate Court following findings that he repeatedly made false statements regarding the 2020 presidential election.
Giuliani, once renowned as a tough prosecutor and leader during the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, saw his legal career abruptly halted by the 31-page ruling. The court’s decision stated, “Giuliani is disbarred from the practice of law, effective immediately,” citing his role as legal counsel for Donald Trump and his involvement in efforts to overturn the election.
The ruling highlighted Giuliani’s “demonstrably false and misleading statements to courts, lawmakers, and the public at large,” underscoring the severity of his actions during the post-election turmoil.
In response to the ruling, a spokesperson for Giuliani criticized the decision as “politically and ideologically corrupted” and announced plans to appeal, arguing that the appellate process would restore integrity to the justice system.
Giuliani, now 80 years old, has faced mounting legal challenges in recent years. He was indicted in Arizona earlier this year as part of an alleged scheme to overturn election results, and he filed for bankruptcy in December following a defamation judgment related to false claims made against election workers.
Barry Kamins, a retired judge who represented Giuliani during the disbarment proceedings, expressed disappointment with the ruling and indicated that Giuliani’s legal team was evaluating their options for appeal.
The decision in New York follows a recommendation from a disciplinary committee in Washington DC for Giuliani’s disbarment there, and he also faces criminal charges in Georgia related to the election controversy.
Giuliani’s fall from legal grace marks a dramatic turn for a figure once hailed for his prosecutorial prowess and leadership in times of crisis.