Rudy Giuliani, once hailed as “America’s Mayor” for his leadership during the September 11 attacks, is now facing a starkly different reality. His financial journey is one of the most dramatic rises and falls in modern American politics. At his peak, Giuliani’s income placed him among the wealthiest figures in public life, but recent years have brought a cascade of legal setbacks, debts, and bankruptcy filings that have left his fortune in ruins.
Giuliani’s Early Wealth and Career Success
Rudolph William Louis Giuliani, born on May 28, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, became a household name as mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001. Following his departure from public office, Giuliani leveraged his reputation into a lucrative career in consulting, legal work, and public speaking.
He founded Giuliani Partners, a security consulting firm, which attracted corporate and government clients across the globe. At his peak financial moment, Giuliani’s annual earnings exceeded $10 million. In 2006 alone, he earned about $11.4 million from more than 100 paid speeches. By the late 2000s, estimates suggested his net worth was as high as $100 million, cementing him as one of the most financially successful former U.S. mayors.
Post-2020 Legal Troubles and Financial Collapse
The turning point came after the 2020 presidential election, when Giuliani became one of the most vocal defenders of Donald Trump’s false election fraud claims. His role in spreading these allegations led to widespread criticism, costly lawsuits, and professional consequences. He faced disbarment proceedings in New York and Washington, stripping away one of his last reliable income streams as an attorney.
In December 2023, a jury ordered Giuliani to pay $148 million in damages to Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss after a defamation lawsuit. This staggering judgment forced him to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection almost immediately. Court documents revealed his assets were listed between $1 million and $10 million, while his liabilities exceeded $152 million.
Current Financial Standing in 2025
At age 81, Giuliani’s financial life is now overshadowed by bankruptcy proceedings and creditor battles. His current net worth is widely reported to be negative. Some outlets place the figure at nearly negative $150 million, while others suggest closer to negative $10 million. Either way, Giuliani is heavily insolvent, a stark contrast to the wealth he once enjoyed.
Court filings show his income has dwindled dramatically. In 2023, Giuliani reported earning just $18,480, with a monthly net income of around $2,308. This is barely above the U.S. poverty threshold, a shocking shift for someone who once regularly billed six figures for a single speech.
Despite these struggles, Giuliani retains ownership of certain assets. A 2025 court settlement allowed him to keep his Manhattan apartment, his Florida condominium, and even his prized World Series rings. However, these holdings remain under scrutiny, as creditors and judges debate whether they could be liquidated to help cover his massive debts.
Assets, Debts, and Legal Complications
As of early 2025, Giuliani’s debts total around $153 million, while his assets are estimated at $10.6 million. Much of the debt comes from legal judgments, unpaid bills to law firms, and other creditors tied to his election-related activities. His creditors have even pushed for a financial trustee to oversee his estate, underscoring the seriousness of his insolvency.
The possibility of losing his Florida condominium and World Series rings remains on the table as part of the bankruptcy process. While he has argued to protect them, judges have yet to issue final rulings on whether they may be seized.
Family and Personal Life
Giuliani has been married three times. His first marriage was to Regina Peruggi, followed by television personality Donna Hanover, and later to Judith Nathan. He has two children, Caroline and Andrew Giuliani. Andrew has remained active in politics, working in the Trump administration and running for governor of New York in 2022.
His family life has often intersected with his public profile, though recent years have been dominated by the shadow of legal issues and financial decline. At 81 years old, Giuliani is not only fighting bankruptcy but also attempting to maintain what remains of his legacy.
From Affluence to Financial Ruin
Giuliani’s fall from millionaire consultant to bankrupt defendant is one of the most dramatic financial collapses in American political history. Once celebrated for his leadership and admired for his financial success, he is now burdened with staggering debts and legal restrictions. His estate still holds some valuable assets, but his liabilities vastly outweigh them, leaving his long-term financial future in doubt.
What remains clear is that Giuliani’s story serves as a cautionary tale. Wealth and influence, once thought to be secure, can vanish quickly in the face of legal and reputational fallout. For Giuliani, the man once considered a frontrunner for the presidency, the journey from affluence to insolvency has been both swift and devastating.
