NEW YORK (AP) — Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is currently breathing on his own after being hospitalized due to pneumonia and initially placed on a ventilator, as per his spokesperson’s update on Monday. The 81-year-old Giuliani remains in critical but stable condition at a hospital near Palm Beach, Florida, and is under close observation as a precautionary measure.
His condition was further complicated by restrictive airway disease, a result of his exposure to dust and toxins following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center. Giuliani's spokesperson, Ted Goodman, indicated that the combination of this pre-existing condition and a respiratory illness led to his requiring mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygen levels.
Giuliani’s hospitalization followed an episode on his nightly online talk show, where he exhibited coughing and a noticeably hoarse voice. Goodman reported that Giuliani is a “fighter” and that he is “winning this battle” against his illness, noting that his family and primary medical provider are by his side during this challenging time. The family expressed gratitude for the support and love they have received from the public.
Prominent figures such as President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Giuliani's successors — former Mayor Eric Adams and the current Mayor Zohran Mamdani — have sent their well wishes. Goodman emphasized that Giuliani has faith in the power of prayer and that he is feeling that strength during his recovery.
Rudy Giuliani served as New York City's mayor from 1994 to 2001, a tenure highlighted by his leadership during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which occurred just months before he left office. His response to the crisis earned him the title “America’s Mayor,” and he was even knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and named Time magazine’s Person of the Year.
After his time as mayor, Giuliani pursued a presidential bid in 2008 but ultimately fell short. He later worked as an advisor to Trump and became notable for his efforts to contest the results of the 2020 presidential election, won by Democrat Joe Biden. Trump later stated he would award Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom for Giuliani's contributions.
While Giuliani continues to receive medical care, he has faced significant legal challenges in recent years. He was involved in a high-profile defamation case after making unfounded allegations against two Georgia election workers, which resulted in a $148 million judgment against him. Reports indicate that he was also found in contempt of court due to his failure to comply with court orders while trying to collect judgment payments.
Giuliani's legal troubles and controversies have overshadowed aspects of his political legacy. In the past, he successfully prosecuted various crimes as a federal prosecutor, including organized crime and corruption cases. Despite earlier success and admiration, recent political and legal setbacks have severely impacted his standing in the public eye.
Earlier in September 2022, Giuliani suffered injuries including a fractured vertebra from a car crash in New Hampshire, underlining ongoing health challenges in his later years. Throughout his career, Giuliani has navigated various political landscapes, from his early days as a crime-fighting federal prosecutor to his controversial role during and after the 2020 election.
