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Jimmy Williams
When Rudy Giuliani appears in federal court this Monday, it’s not to debate his liability for defaming two Georgia election workers during the 2020 election. That’s already settled. Now, the focus is on how severely he will be sanctioned for his role in spreading false claims about the election.
U.S. District Court Judge Beryl Howell found Giuliani liable for defaming Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, two Georgia election workers who faced threats and harassment after being falsely accused by Giuliani and Donald Trump of manipulating ballots. These lies fueled conspiracy theories that continue to persist.
The damages trial is the latest accountability measure for those involved in Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. While criminal proceedings have been slow, civil lawsuits, disbarment proceedings, and other forms of punishment have moved more swiftly. Giuliani’s law license was suspended last year, and the decision on making that sanction permanent is pending.
Freeman and Moss, pivotal figures in criminal cases against Trump, have not specified a precise amount for damages. Instead, they plan to introduce expert testimony to estimate the harm they’ve experienced. The damages trial follows Giuliani’s suspension and precedes potential criminal charges against him.
Giuliani, identified as “co-conspirator 1” in the federal conspiracy case in Washington, D.C., is facing charges along with Trump in the Georgia racketeering case. Both cases revolve around how Trump amplified Giuliani’s lies about Freeman and Moss, contributing to threats and attacks against them.
Freeman and Moss have faced a barrage of death threats and attacks for the past three years, forcing them to relocate for safety. Giuliani’s trial is expected to showcase evidence from close associates, including Bernie Kerik and Giuliani himself. Freeman and Moss plan to call an expert to quantify the reach of Giuliani’s statements and the harm caused.
Judge Howell, who has been a central figure in legal proceedings related to Trump’s bid to disrupt the power transfer, will preside over Giuliani’s trial. She has previously ruled against Trump’s efforts to assert executive privilege and has expressed concerns about the danger Trump’s rhetoric poses to participants and witnesses.
Giuliani has been aggressive in his statements against Howell, claiming bias and prejudice. In addition to the damages trial, Giuliani faces other lawsuits, including one from Hunter Biden. Financial strains due to legal bills have been reported, but Giuliani has sought support through fundraisers, including assistance from Trump’s PAC.
The damages trial, set to unfold over three days, marks another chapter in the legal aftermath of Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election.
