Rudy Giuliani Has His Bank Account Frozen

Thank you for visiting my blog. Today’s blog post summarizes my YouTube video, which you can see below. You can also listen to the full transcript. Now, I focus on the steps creditors can take, and I’m using the Rudy Giuliani case as a perfect example because it’s been widely reported, based on his tweet, that his bank account was frozen. Since Giuliani is no longer in bankruptcy, he does not have the protection of the automatic stay. You can learn more about the automatic stay where I respond to a reader’s question by following this link.

Listen to this blog.

• Rudy Giuliani was sued by Ruby Freeman and Shay Moss resulting in a $148 million judgment for defamation of character.
• Giuliani admitted his statements were defamatory, leading to punitive damages for the plaintiffs.
• Giuliani posted on “X” that his bank account was frozen, and this prevented him from earning a living.
• Giuliani had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy but dismissed it due to issues with providing financials. Yet, while in bankruptcy, he claimed he would reduce his monthly expenses to $43,000, but now says he has no money for food.

How Rudy Giuliani Got Here

Remember, Giuliani was sued for defamation of character by Ruby Freeman and Shay Moss, the mother-daughter duo that worked as Georgia election poll workers. They won a $148 million judgment against Guiliani. More on that in a minute.

In his tweet, Giuliani claims, and here’s the funny thing: they are trying to prevent him from earning a living. Giuliani’s tweet reads: “Wilkie Farr Law firm and Judge Liman are trying to inhibit me from making a living. They seized my measly checking account, so I can’t buy food. Help me fight.”

But how does seizing a bank account do that? Can’t you still work with or without a bank account, whether frozen or not? They’re not stopping Giuliani from working. I’ve never heard of a creditor wanting a debtor to stop working. That would completely defeat the purpose of getting a judgment.

Now, how are they preventing Giuliani from working? He can’t push his “Rudy” coffee? By the way, the Miami-based roaster is in bankruptcy. Is there a court order preventing Giuliani from doing his podcast? Paid appearances?

Remember, Giuliani filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, then dismissed it. Why? Well, creditors were reportedly having issues obtaining his financials, and the next step was to have a bankruptcy trustee appointed. While a trustee is assigned for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy, it’s not automatic for Chapter 11.

But what’s important to know is that during the bankruptcy process, Giuliani said he would reduce his monthly expenses to a staggering $43,000. Can you imagine spending that much in a month? Yet, people are still donating to him. That sounds like “entitlements” disguised as a donation.

Now, let’s get to the interesting part: the defamation lawsuit. It was agreed upon that the statements made were defamatory. The court documents clearly state that the defendant’s actions were intentional, malicious, and willful. This means the plaintiffs are entitled to punitive damages. To simplify, punitive damages are designed to penalize a defendant and serve as a deterrent.

So, put that in perspective; better yet, look at the facts. Giuliani agreed that his statements about Ruby Moss and Shay Freeman committing voter fraud were defamatory.  It’s in writing! There’s a signed stipulation. So Giuliani decided to skip the trial process and go straight to the judgment phase.

The fact is, Giuliani gambled and lost. As to the bankruptcy case, that was to buy time. Also, because his acts were defamatory, they are considered intentional, especially since it was said several times. Intentional acts can’t be discharged in bankruptcy. Giuliani was able to buy time because reports indicated that they had the right to inventory his New York condo, and apparently, a lot of his personal belongings were gone.

As to Giuliani’s debts, besides the judgment, he owes approximately one million in taxes, including roughly $265,500 to New York. “America’s Mayor.” Now, while creditors can garnish his wages and seize his assets, including his bank accounts, who else can do that? The New York government and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as well. It’s a standard legal process, and Giuliani, being a lawyer, I’m sure he knows this. I wonder how many bank accounts he froze as the chief of the Southern District of New York. So, believe me, he’s familiar with the process and shouldn’t act surprised, although he was disbarred from the practice of law. The New York State Bar published a post on his disbarment.

But to argue that he’s being unfairly targeted is ridiculous. Creditors want him to work so they can collect their money. The last thing they want is for him or any other debtor to stop working. No work, no money. It’s that simple.

So, while people can donate to him if they choose, it’s important to remember that legal consequences have real-world implications, and if you want to help someone financially who owns a multi-million dollar condo in Palm Beach, a coffee company, podcast, paid appearances, and is trying to reduce their expenses to $43k monthly, well…. That’s your constitutional right.

You can see the video below. Feel free to like and subscribe to my YouTube channel and blog.

Additional blog content is available below or by using the search bar at the top of this page:

• Bankruptcy
• Your Wallet

Please note that the information on this site does not constitute legal advice and should be considered for informational purposes only.

Colleges and universities can purchase my bankruptcy law textbook directly from Routledge Publishing. For paralegals and students buying single copies, you can do so via Amazon Books. To access my YouTube channel, click this link.

Updated on May 7, 2025.