Rudy Giuliani, once hailed as "America's Mayor," has encountered another significant setback in his legal career. The Washington D.C. appeals court has disbarred the former New York City mayor, following his failure to respond to an order explaining why he should retain his license after losing it in New York last summer.
This decision comes as part of a series of consequences Giuliani has faced for his role in promoting unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud during the 2020 presidential election. The former mayor, who served as legal counsel for then-President Donald Trump, has consistently argued that he believed the claims he was making on behalf of the Trump campaign were true.
Giuliani's spokesperson, Ted Goodman, expressed strong disagreement with the court's decision, calling it "an absolute travesty and a total miscarriage of justice." Goodman urged members of the legal community to speak out against what he termed a "partisan, politically motivated decision."
The disbarment in Washington D.C. is the latest in a string of legal and financial challenges for Giuliani. In December 2023, a jury awarded $148 million in damages to two former Georgia election workers who sued him for defamation over false statements he made about them in 2020. This verdict has placed Giuliani under significant financial strain.
"Members of the legal community who want to protect the integrity of our justice system should immediately speak out against this partisan, politically motivated decision."
Giuliani's legal troubles extend beyond civil matters. He is currently facing criminal charges in Arizona for allegedly spreading false claims of election fraud. Additionally, he has been indicted in Georgia alongside former President Trump and other allies, accused of attempting to overturn the 2020 election results in the state.
The former mayor's fall from grace is particularly striking given his once-prominent status. Giuliani gained national recognition for his leadership as New York City mayor during the September 11, 2001 attacks, earning him the title of Time Person of the Year. His career has spanned various high-profile positions, including serving as U.S. Associate Attorney General from 1981 to 1983 and as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 1983 to 1989.
Giuliani's legal career began after graduating from New York University School of Law in 1968. He implemented controversial policies such as the "broken windows" policing strategy during his tenure as mayor from 1994 to 2001. In 2002, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his leadership following the 9/11 attacks.
The former mayor's association with Donald Trump began during the 2016 presidential campaign, where he served as a prominent surrogate. He later joined Trump's legal team in April 2018 and played a key role in the Ukraine scandal that led to Trump's first impeachment.
Giuliani's attempts to mitigate his financial troubles have also faced obstacles. He filed for bankruptcy shortly after the defamation verdict in December 2023. However, in July 2024, a judge dismissed his bankruptcy case, citing failures to comply with court orders and disclose sources of income.
As Giuliani continues to navigate these legal and financial challenges, his legacy as a prominent political figure and attorney has been significantly tarnished. The ongoing criminal proceedings in Arizona and Georgia, coupled with the substantial financial damages from the defamation case, paint a stark contrast to his earlier career achievements and public perception.