Rudy Giuliani backtracks after judge calls his bluff on inauguration plans

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani withdrew a request to appear virtually for an upcoming trial in New York after a judge ruled that he would also not be able travel to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

In a motion on Wednesday, Giuliani asked U.S. District Judge Beryl A. Howell to allow him to appear virtually via Zoom video conference for a Jan. 10 contempt hearing, citing health reasons. Howell previously held Giuliani in contempt after he failed to turn over certain assets to former election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss in a $148 million defamation case.

Howell said she would allow Giuliani to appear virtually if he submitted a sworn declaration that he could not travel "in the next 30 days" due to medical conditions.

On Thursday, Giuliani quickly changed his mind about the virtual appearance after realizing that it meant he would not be able to attend Trump's inauguration.

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"It currently appears that I will be required to appear in person for trial in the New York matter identified above starting on January 16, 2025," Giuliani wrote. "If it concludes before January 20th, I may travel to Washington, D.C. on the way home from Florida for the inauguration of President Trump, which will be a once-in-a-lifetime event in which I cannot participate by zoom, and for which there will be heightened security."

"I had hoped the Court would understand and accommodate my needs. However, it appears I was mistaken," he added. "Because it is difficult to cancel my two evening broadcasting commitments, and last-minute travel arrangements are uncertain, I have decided to withdraw my motion to appear virtually and to be physically present for tomorrow's hearing."