Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York City and ex-lawyer to Donald Trump, raised less than $1 million for his legal defenses.
A $146 Million Defamation Judgment
Giuliani managed to raise less than $1 million from a mere 13 donors. The fund is intended to assist the former mayor in covering his legal expenses as he confronts a $146 million defamation judgment among other legal issues. Between August and December, Giuliani’s PAC raised a little over $727,000
The Largest Donation
Caryn Borland, also known as Caryn Hildenbrand, donated the largest amount — $300,000. This made up 40% of the donation total, according to an FEC filing.
Donald Trump’s Legal Fees
The Caryn L. Hildenbrand Living Trust previously made a $1 million donation to a legal defense fund supporting Donald Trump. This contribution stood as the largest single donation to that fund too, which — as disclosed to the IRS — had amassed a total of $1.6 million.
The QAnon Conspiracy Theory
Hildenbrand and her partner also donated over $1 million to Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign. The pair, The New York Times reports, have a history of sharing social media content related to the QAnon conspiracy theory.
A Canceled Fundraiser
The New York Times also said that Mike Pence once canceled a fundraiser with the pair because of their promotion of conspiracy theories.
Caryn vs. Garyn
Giuliani’s PAC misspelled “Caryn” as “Garyn.” Regardless, the address matches the one on the IRS filing for the Trump defense donation.
Giuliani’s PAC’s Funds
According to CNBC, the former mayor’s PAC has spent over $500,000 on legal expenses so far. At the beginning of 2024, it had $180,000 left.
A Multitude of Legal Challenges
Giuliani is grappling with a multitude of legal and financial challenges stemming from his efforts to overturn Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election. He was charged in Georgia, along with Trump and several others.
A Defamation Lawsuit
Moreover, the once-celebrated former mayor is also facing defamation lawsuits from Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic — the manufacturers of voting machines.
$146 Million in Damages
Giuliani was found liable for $146 million in damages after he falsely accused two Georgia election workers of ballot fraud who, as a result, were subjected to death threats. He soon filed for bankruptcy.
A Surprise to No One
“No person could have reasonably believed that Mayor Giuliani would be able to pay such a high punitive amount,” a spokesperson for Giuliani said following the bankruptcy filing. He described the development as “a surprise to no one.”
A Bad Financial Situation
The former mayor reportedly owes upwards of $1.3 million to Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, a law firm. Adding to his financial nightmare, lawyer Robert Costello sued him for $1.36 in unpaid fees.
A $100,000 Event
Giuliani previously tried to raise some defense funds at one of Trump’s properties. In order to attend the event at the former President’s Bedminster golf course, donors were asked to gift $100,000 to the PAC.
A Poor Turnout
Unfortunately for Giuliani, and according to the filing, a mere three people gave $100,000 or more to the PAC. Elizabeth Ailes, the widow of former Fox News CEO Roger Ailes, was one of them.
A Politicized Judicial System
Speaking to CNBC, Ailes said: “Yes, I gave Rudy $100,000 for his legal defense PAC, and I was happy to do so. I am upset by the way Rudy has been persecuted, and I believe it’s important to push back against a politicized judicial system.”
The Roger Ailes Accusations
In 2016, Roger Ailes stepped down from his role at Fox News following allegations of sexual harassment. Settlements related to the accusations reportedly incurred significant financial costs for Fox’s parent company.
A Long Friendship
Before Roger left Fox, the network was supportive of Trump’s 2016 campaign. “They were friends for a very long time, way before Fox News,” Elizabeth previously said. Much to the former President’s dismay, the network hasn’t been as supportive of him in recent times.
Other Giuliani Donations
Elizabeth Ailes contributed more to Giuliani than most other Trump supporters did. Businessman Lewis Topper donated $25,000, while a contribution of $35,000 came from Probity International, a real estate investment firm.
Larger Giuliani Donations
Experienced real estate executive Arnold Gumowitz donated $50,000, and Matthew Martorano, who previously donated $5,000 to the Trump Save America Joint Fundraising Committee, made a larger contribution of $100,000.
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