A federal judge has ruled that Rudolph W. Giuliani is liable for defaming two Georgia election workers during the 2020 election. The defamation case against Giuliani, who played a central role in former President Donald J. Trump's efforts to overturn the election, can now proceed to trial to determine damages. The judge's ruling comes after Giuliani conceded in the case that he had made false statements accusing the election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, of mishandling ballots in Atlanta.

Giuliani's false claims about Freeman and Moss led them to face harassment and threats, with Moss having to go into hiding and change her appearance. The defamation case filed by Freeman and Moss is among the first to be brought by individual election workers who were targeted by right-wing politicians and media figures claiming election fraud.

Giuliani's financial troubles are also mounting, as he has been ordered to pay the legal fees and costs of Freeman and Moss, which could amount to thousands or even millions of dollars. He has already been sanctioned nearly $90,000 for their attorneys' fees and could face additional sanctions. Giuliani's legal expenses have reportedly led to financial difficulties, with his apartment recently listed for sale at $6.5 million.