Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, 81, is hospitalized in Florida with pneumonia. As of Monday, he is breathing on his own and remains in critical but stable condition. His hospitalization was first reported on Sunday, January 5, 2025.
Medical Condition
Giuliani was placed on a ventilator and is now breathing on his own, according to his spokesperson, Ted Goodman. Goodman stated that Giuliani's condition was exacerbated by restrictive airway disease linked to exposure to dust and toxins from the September 11, 2001, World Trade Center attack.
"He is a fighter. He has faced every challenge in his life with unwavering strength, and he's fighting with that same level of strength as we speak."
The hospitalization occurred near Palm Beach, Florida. Giuliani hosted his online show "America's Mayor Live" on Friday night from Palm Beach, during which he coughed and had a raspy voice, noting he was "under the weather."
Giuliani's family and primary medical provider are by his side.
Statements from Representatives and Associates
Ted Goodman, Spokesperson: Posted on social media that Giuliani is "a fighter" who "has faced every challenge in life with unwavering strength, and he's fighting with that same level of strength as we speak." Goodman described Giuliani as "the ultimate fighter" and stated "he is winning this battle." He requested prayers.
Donald Trump, Former U.S. President: Wrote on Truth Social that Giuliani is "a True Warrior, and the Best Mayor in the History of New York City, BY FAR." Trump also claimed without evidence that Giuliani was "right about everything" regarding election fraud and criticized "Radical Left Lunatics" for how he was treated.
Background
Giuliani served as a federal prosecutor and as Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001, including during the September 11, 2001 attacks, for which he earned the nickname "America's Mayor." He ran for president in 2008.
He later served as an attorney for President Donald Trump's 2020 campaign and led efforts to contest the 2020 election results, promoting false claims of election fraud. He has faced legal issues as a result, including criminal charges in two states and a $148 million defamation judgment against him in 2023 brought by two former Georgia election workers. He subsequently reached a settlement allowing him to keep homes and belongings in exchange for unspecified compensation and a promise not to speak ill of the workers.
Giuliani was previously hospitalized in September 2023 after a car crash that fractured a vertebra. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Trump in 2024.