Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani recently launched a new business as a means of generating revenue to pay a $150 million defamation judgment. And a journalist recently exposed the company providing the infrastructure for Giuliani's latest venture.
Over the weekend, Giuliani — who was the personal attorney for former President Donald Trump through the 2020 election — announced the opening of his Rudy Coffee company. According to Daily Beast researcher Will Bredderman, Giuliani's new company has interesting ties.
"Fun thing to do in a situation like this is check out the website and its Privacy Policy section, since that sometimes contains a corporate entity name or some other identifying info," the reporter explained. "So you pop that bad boy into Google, and—voila! Rudy Coffee shares an address with a roastery that sells its product in very similar packaging at Walmart and Target, among other fine retailers."
That address — 521 NE 189th St in Miami, Florida — is also the address of Burke Brands, LLC, which produces Don Pablo Coffee. Don Pablo is currently sold at Amazon, Sam's Club, Walmart and Costco, and the company says there are "more [distributors] to come" on its website.
READ MORE: Jury unanimously orders Giuliani to pay nearly $150M to GA election workers he defamed
Burke Brands is owned by Darron Burke, and was first incorporated in 2004 according to Florida business records. It eventually merged with a Delaware-based LLC in 2007. It has been located at that same Miami address for more than a decade. In his launch video, Giuliani praised the coffee, saying it was made with "100% Arabica coffee beans roasted right here in America."
"Today I'm thrilled to introduce you to something I'm incredibly proud of: My own brand of specialty organic speciality coffee, Rudy Coffee! Believe me when I say it's the best coffee you'll ever try," Giuliani said in the video. "By supporting Rudy Coffee, you're not just treating yourself to exceptional coffee: You're also supporting our cause. The cause of truth, justice and American democracy."
Giuliani is likely hoping that sales from his branded coffee will help his troubled financial circumstances. The 2001 TIME Person of the Year is on the hook to pay a nine-figure sum to former Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who a jury unanimously agreed Giuliani was responsible for defaming in their December 2023 verdict.
The man formerly known as "America's Mayor" is now going through bankruptcy proceedings following the judgment, and he has reportedly not ruled out other means of generating income — including suing his former client for unpaid legal fees. Giuliani may also be forced to sell his Florida condominium as part of the judgment, and part with other valuables like designer watches and New York Yankees World Series championship rings.
READ MORE: 'Partygoers started screaming': Giuliani served with indictment during his birthday party
Rudy Giuliani's troubles aren't just financial in nature. He was recently one of several Trump associates indicted by an Arizona grand jury for his alleged role in the "fake electors" scheme in the Grand Canyon State. Trump himself was not indicted, but is named in charging documents as an unindicted co-conspirator.
Giuliani is also one of the co-defendants in the Fulton County election interference case, in which Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has charged more than a dozen people — including Trump — in a sprawling RICO case alleging a criminal conspiracy to interfere in the Peach State's election in 2020. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The details of the arrangement between Giuliani and Burke Brands LLC remain unclear. AlterNet has sent emailed requests for comment to both Burke and Giuliani. This article will be updated in the event of a response.
READ MORE: Giuliani suggests he may sue Trump for 'unpaid legal fees' in bankruptcy filing
