Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor and former attorney to Donald Trump, is facing millions of dollars in legal fees. In an effort to alleviate some of this debt, Giuliani hosted a fundraiser at Trump’s Bedminster golf club on Thursday night. The event, which cost $100,000 per plate, aimed to raise over $1 million for Giuliani’s legal defense fund. However, it is unclear whether this amount will be sufficient to cover his outstanding fees, which are estimated to be in the millions.
Giuliani’s legal troubles stem from his involvement in lawsuits and criminal charges related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He has been accused of spreading false claims of election fraud and faces multiple defamation lawsuits. Last week, he lost a defamation case brought against him by two Georgia election workers and has already been sanctioned nearly $90,000 in attorneys’ fees. He also faces criminal charges in Fulton County, Georgia, for his alleged role in a conspiracy to subvert the will of voters.
The fundraiser at Trump’s Bedminster golf club comes at a time when there is disagreement within Trump’s inner circle about whether the former president should be helping Giuliani with his legal bills. Some advisers have argued that it would be in Trump’s best interest to assist Giuliani, as it would keep him loyal and support a longtime ally. However, others have advised Trump to distance himself from Giuliani.
Giuliani’s son, Andrew Giuliani, who helped organize the fundraiser, defended his father’s actions and criticized those who suggested a rift between Giuliani and Trump. He stated that his father was willing to speak truthfully to Trump, even if it meant disagreeing with him. Sources close to Trump have refuted the idea that he is not assisting Giuliani, pointing to the fundraisers he has sponsored and a payment from his political action committee to cover Giuliani’s debt to a data-hosting company.
Despite these efforts, Giuliani’s legal fees continue to mount. He currently owes over $1 million to his former attorney, Robert Costello, and it is unclear how he will be able to retain his defense team for the upcoming trial in Georgia. Prosecutors have indicated that the trial could last approximately four months and involve over 150 witnesses.
Giuliani’s longtime friend, Bernie Kerik, has been assisting him in finding lawyers and raising money to pay off his outstanding bills. Kerik estimates that Giuliani has lost between $10-$20 million in business because of his work for Trump. However, Giuliani has been reluctant to personally ask Trump for help, believing it would be disrespectful to the former president.
Overall, Giuliani’s legal woes continue to mount, and it remains uncertain whether the funds raised at the recent fundraiser will be enough to alleviate his financial burden. As his trials approach, Giuliani faces the prospect of significant damages and mounting legal fees, which could potentially run into the millions of dollars.
Original Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-09-08 08:49:00