Rudy Giuliani is breathing without mechanical support after being hospitalized with pneumonia that forced doctors to place him on a ventilator, his spokesperson confirmed Monday. The 81-year-old former New York City mayor remains in critical but stable condition at a Florida facility near Palm Beach.
Giuliani's respiratory battle was complicated by a long-standing condition stemming from his exposure to dust and toxins during the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center two decades ago. That underlying airway disease turned what might have been routine respiratory illness into a serious threat, according to his team.
The hospitalization came days after Giuliani appeared on his Friday evening online show, "America's Mayor Live," visibly unwell. He coughed as he began the broadcast and told viewers his voice was "a little under the weather" before pivoting to commentary on Iran policy. The decline was swift enough that doctors determined mechanical ventilation was necessary to keep his oxygen levels stable.
Spokesman Ted Goodman released a statement describing the former mayor as "the ultimate fighter" and said he is "winning this battle." Goodman noted that Giuliani's family and primary physician have been at his side and thanked supporters for their messages. He also referenced Giuliani's faith, saying, "The mayor believes in the power of prayer, and we are feeling that strength today."
Giuliani's recent health troubles extend beyond this latest hospitalization. In September, he suffered a fractured vertebra and other injuries in a car crash in New Hampshire. That same month, President Trump announced he was awarding Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
Giuliani's public profile shifted dramatically in recent years. As New York's mayor during 9/11, he earned the nickname "America's Mayor" for his crisis leadership and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II. Time magazine named him Person of the Year. But his role as Trump's personal lawyer and his aggressive push of fraud claims after the 2020 election proved costly.
Two former Georgia election workers won a $148 million defamation judgment against him over statements made during that campaign. As the judgment went uncollected, Giuliani faced contempt charges and asset seizure threats. He eventually settled, keeping his homes and belongings, including World Series rings, in exchange for undisclosed compensation and an agreement to cease criticism of the election workers.
Trump posted on Truth Social describing Giuliani as "a True Warrior" following news of his hospitalization.
Author James Rodriguez: "Giuliani's health crisis and his remarkable political fall are two sides of the same coin, though only one has a clear ending right now."
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