Rudolph W. Giuliani, a significant figure in the ongoing investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia, is now facing indictment as part of the case. Giuliani, known for his previous roles as a federal prosecutor and mayor of New York City, served as President Donald Trump’s personal lawyer during the final stages of his presidency. He led legal efforts in multiple states in an attempt to challenge Joe Biden’s victories and maintain Trump’s hold on power.
The charges against Giuliani mainly revolve around his spreading of false claims of election fraud in front of state legislative committees in December 2020. Investigators are also looking into his involvement in a strategy to send a group of electors aligned with Trump to Congress, despite Georgia already certifying electors who supported Joseph R. Biden Jr., the winner of the state by around 10,000 votes.
State prosecutors in Atlanta informed Giuliani last year that he was under investigation, which led to his attempt to avoid testifying before a special grand jury. However, a judge eventually ordered him to testify in August of that same year, with instructions to appear in Atlanta via train, bus, or Uber.
Giuliani’s testimonies before three legislative panels in December 2020 are now under scrutiny. During those sessions, he promoted baseless conspiracy theories about secret suitcases of Democratic ballots and manipulated voting machines. Despite his claims of widespread voter fraud, no substantial evidence was found to support his allegations.
Making false statements “in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of state government or of the government of any county, city, or other political subdivision” is considered illegal in Georgia. Giuliani is also facing backlash for directing derogatory remarks towards two Black election workers, accusing them of fraud without providing any supporting evidence. As a result, his law license was suspended in New York State.
Giuliani’s involvement in a scheme to create a fabricated slate of Trump presidential electors has also come under scrutiny. The plan aimed to convene in mid-December 2020, despite President Biden’s confirmed victories in the state. However, Trump’s main campaign lawyers declined to participate in this scheme, and some designated Trump electors withdrew their involvement before Election Day.
When asked for comment before his testimony last year, Giuliani chose not to make substantive statements, stating that he would refrain from discussing the matter until it was resolved.