Donald Trump’s recent social media post expressing gratitude to New York Republicans for their 2024 endorsements has raised eyebrows for what it didn’t include: any mention of his longtime personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani. This omission hints at a potential fracture in the once-solid relationship between the former president and one of his staunchest allies.
Taking to his new social media platform, Truth Social, Trump extended thanks to various political figures and committees for their support. He emphasized the importance of New York in the upcoming presidential election, hinting at a robust campaign strategy for the state.
However, conspicuously absent from the list of endorsements was Giuliani, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump throughout his presidency and beyond. Giuliani, a former New York City Mayor, could have reasonably been included in the notable figures section alongside other prominent former officeholders. Yet, his name was notably absent.
Similarly, George Santos, a Republican congressman expelled for ethical breaches, was left off the list despite his recent announcement to run again in 2024. This exclusion raises questions about Trump’s stance on Santos, especially considering his past controversies.
The strained relationship between Trump and Giuliani has been evident for some time. Reports from as early as 2021 indicated tension between the two, notably over Giuliani’s legal fees. Trump purportedly refused to cover Giuliani’s expenses, leading to friction between them.
This discord resurfaced when it became apparent that Trump had not honored a supposed agreement to pay Giuliani for his services during the tumultuous aftermath of the 2020 election. Giuliani, along with others, was implicated in efforts to challenge the election results in various states, including Georgia.
Despite these financial disputes and legal entanglements, Giuliani maintains his allegiance to Trump. He has adamantly stated his unwavering loyalty to the former president despite facing mounting legal challenges and accusations.
The absence of Giuliani from Trump’s recent acknowledgment of endorsements underscores the potential rift between the two. While Giuliani remains publicly devoted to Trump, the former president’s actions suggest a cooling of their once-close relationship.