'That’s what they call karma': Rudy Giuliani mocked as bankrupt ex-mayor regrets not having NYC pension

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, facing a staggering $148 million court ruling and escalating legal bills, has voiced regret over not securing the safety net of a government pension, according to city payroll records obtained by the Empire Center for Public Policy.

City records indicate that Giuliani, now 79, failed to apply for pension benefits, a decision that sets him apart from other former mayors of the Big Apple. Revelations suggest he could have received approximately $26,000 in annual payments after turning 62, totaling around $442,000 over the past 17 years.

In response to queries about his decision, Giuliani told the New York Post, "Giving back to the city I love. Although I would like to take it now," before admitting, "I don't know how to go about it."

Critics argue that Giuliani, despite his financial standing when leaving office in 2001, should have planned for the future.

A former city official remarked, "This might have seemed like chump change to someone like him who left City Hall with multi-million-dollar book deals, but I bet he wishes he had [pension payments] now. In his situation, every penny helps."

Giuliani, who estimated owing $153 million with assets up to $10 million, recently filed for bankruptcy after a $148 million court ruling related to allegations of false accusations against two former Georgia election workers during the 2020 presidential election.

Giuliani's attorney Joe Sibley called the ruling "the civil equivalent of the death penalty" and warned it could be the end of Giuliani if an appeal is unsuccessful.

Social media reactions

Social media critics celebrated Rudy Giuliani's predicament, with some referencing his association with former president Donald Trump.

"So that’s what they call karma," one posted on X (formerly Twitter).

"He would regret Trump company, too," another wrote.

"Rudy needs to borrow a million from Donald - at 10%," someone else quipped.

"Rudy. What has happened to you?" another asked. 

It's worth noting that Former Mayor Bill de Blasio, in contrast, collects a $113,131-a-year pension after serving two decades in elected office, highlighting the benefits Giuliani missed out on.

Giuliani, who also did not receive a federal pension for his prior government work, had paid into the city's deferred compensation plan during his tenure as mayor. In 2007 disclosure filings submitted during his failed 2008 presidential bid, he valued this plan as a $50,000 to $100,000 asset.

However, Giuliani faces further legal challenges, including a sexual assault claim by a woman named Noelle Dunphy.

In May 2023, Dunphy launched a $10 million lawsuit against him alleging "abuses of power, wide-ranging sexual assault and harassment, wage theft and other misconduct," including "alcohol-drenched rants that included sexist, racist and antisemitic remarks."

Potential limits of bankruptcy protection

Rudy Giuliani's first bankruptcy hearing is scheduled to take place in New York before Judge Sean Lane in early January. The former mayor's financial troubles continue to unfold amidst legal battles and public scrutiny.

Real estate attorney Paul Golden, author of Litigating Constructive Trusts and a partner at New York law firm Coffey Modica, shared insights into the potential limitations of Giuliani's bankruptcy protection.

Speaking to Newsweek, Golden noted that intentional harm to the reputation of the election workers could pose challenges to the protective umbrella of bankruptcy.

According to Golden, there are "numerous exceptions" to bankruptcy protection, including one under federal bankruptcy law if there is "willful and malicious injury by the debtor to another entity."

He added, "Generally, the intentional tort of defamation would constitute willful and malicious injury so long as the debtor, here Giuliani, knew the statements against Freeman and Moss were false."

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