Rudy Giuliani’s Newsmax Show in Jeopardy Amid Ongoing Election Conspiracy Theories
Rudy Giuliani’s Newsmax Show in Jeopardy Amid Ongoing Election Conspiracy Theories
Rudy Giuliani faces the potential loss of another income source just days after being dropped from his WABC radio show due to his persistent promotion of election conspiracy theories, according to Mediate.
Several sources at Newsmax have indicated that the future of Giuliani’s show on the conservative network’s streaming platform is uncertain. Concerns over his election-related rhetoric have prompted top executives to consider canceling the show and severing ties with the former New York City mayor altogether.
Giuliani frequently promotes election conspiracy theories on his Newsmax show “America’s Mayor Live.” However, these comments are often edited out in post-production to avoid further legal liabilities, as Newsmax is already entangled in major defamation lawsuits related to its 2020 election coverage.
The potential loss of his Newsmax show, for which Giuliani reportedly earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, would be another significant financial setback. Giuliani declared bankruptcy late last year after being ordered to pay $148 million to two Georgia election officials whom he falsely accused of fraud in the 2020 presidential election. His bankruptcy filings revealed that most of his $10 million in assets are tied up in real estate, including his Upper East Side penthouse, which is currently on the market.
Previously, Giuliani earned $15,000 a month from his WABC radio show, which was recently canceled. Losing the Newsmax gig would further strain his financial situation.
Giuliani’s tenure at Newsmax has been problematic. In 2022, he was barred from live broadcasts due to his tendency to propagate stolen election narratives, with his appearances pre-recorded to mitigate risk.
In the aftermath of the 2020 election, Newsmax was hit with two significant defamation lawsuits from Dominion and Smartmatic, companies central to the conspiracy theories promoted by Trump and his supporters.
“Giuliani was once a brilliant attorney and champion of New York City, but he has completely given in to the delusion that the election was stolen,” a source close to Giuliani told Mediate. “He wholeheartedly believes everything he is saying, even if it’s to the point where it will ruin his life and bankrupt him.”
John Catsimatidis, the billionaire owner of WABC, tolerated Giuliani’s conspiracy theories for years before ultimately canceling his show. In a statement, Catsimatidis explained that Giuliani’s continued defamatory remarks about Georgia election workers on social media led to further legal actions against him, which in turn put the station at risk.
Ted Goodman, a spokesperson for Giuliani, issued a statement to Mediate, asserting, “Mayor Giuliani enjoys a fantastic relationship with Newsmax and its audience. Newsmax has grown into the successful network it is today because its audience knows it is getting accurate and relevant information on the news that matters. We appreciate Mr. Ruddy and Newsmax’s commitment to free speech and allowing a vast array of views and perspectives on the air.”
