Rudolph W. Giuliani, former lawyer to President Donald J. Trump, is reportedly running out of money and is seeking payment from a longtime client who has yet to settle his debts. Giuliani believes he is owed millions of dollars for his efforts to keep Trump in power and has made multiple attempts to collect the money.
Giuliani initially had his lawyer reach out to anyone in Trump’s circle who would listen, but that approach proved ineffective. He then resorted to personal appeals, meeting with Trump over a two-hour dinner at his Mar-a-Lago estate and in a private meeting at his golf club in West Palm Beach in April. However, these entreaties did not yield the desired outcome.
In a last-ditch effort, Giuliani’s son, Andrew, who has an independent relationship with Trump, visited the former president at his club in New Jersey. It is believed that Andrew hoped to convince Trump to cover his father’s legal bills. As a result of this meeting, Trump agreed to attend two fundraisers to contribute to Giuliani’s expenses.
Despite Giuliani accumulating nearly $3 million in legal expenses and facing an array of lawsuits and investigations, Trump has been hesitant to provide financial assistance. The former president has made vague promises to pay up but has largely failed to follow through.
Giuliani’s sources of income have dwindled, with his WABC radio show and podcast providing only a fraction of what he needs to cover his debts. A legal-defense fund set up to assist him raised less than $10,000 before shutting down its website.
Notably, Trump has a history of not paying legal bills when the case is connected to him, as seen with his former lawyer Michael D. Cohen. However, those close to both Trump and Giuliani believe the former mayor would never cooperate with investigators in a way that would harm the former president.
Despite concerns over the lack of payment, fault for the situation is placed on Trump’s inner circle. Supporters of Giuliani, such as Bernard B. Kerik, former New York City police commissioner, blame those around Trump for not adequately supporting Giuliani. However, the ultimate decision lies with the former president.
Trump has cited his losses in the election-related cases as a reason for not paying Giuliani. The former mayor’s expenses were only partially covered after Trump personally approved the funds.
Efforts to collect legal fees from Trump have been ongoing for over two years, led by Giuliani’s main lawyer, Robert J. Costello. Costello approached several lawyers close to Trump for assistance, with most showing sympathy for Giuliani’s situation. Despite meetings with Trump and appeals from Costello, the former president has been noncommittal about covering Giuliani’s legal fees.
Giuliani’s financial situation is a stark contrast to his previous wealth, which he accumulated through various contracts after leaving his position as Mayor of New York City. However, a costly divorce significantly impacted his financial standing.
As Giuliani faces mounting debts and a suspension of his law license, the question remains as to whether Trump will fulfill his promise to pay his former lawyer or continue to evade financial obligations.