Rudy Giuliani's Health Update
Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City and a longtime supporter of President Donald Trump, is currently recovering from pneumonia and "is now breathing on his own," according to his spokesman.
In a statement posted on X, spokesman Ted Goodman explained that Giuliani has suffered from "restrictive airway disease" since the 9/11 terror attacks, which has impaired his ability to combat pneumonia effectively.
"The virus quickly overwhelmed his body, requiring mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygen and stabilize his condition," Goodman said. He added that Giuliani, "the ultimate fighter," is now "winning this battle."
Giuliani, aged 81, remains hospitalized and is described as being in "critical but stable condition," according to Goodman.
"On September 11th, Mayor Giuliani ran toward the towers to help those in need, which later led to a diagnosis of restrictive airway disease," Goodman stated.
Following the period of mechanical ventilation, Goodman noted that Giuliani "is now breathing on his own, with his family and primary medical provider at his side."
Health Impact of 9/11 Attacks
Diseases caused by exposure to toxic dust and smoke during the 9/11 attacks have continued to affect victims and first responders, including firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel. Researchers report that these illnesses have claimed twice as many lives over the 25 years since the attacks as the attacks themselves.
Giuliani's Legacy and Career
Giuliani earned the nickname "America's Mayor" for his leadership in New York City following the 9/11 attacks. In recognition of his efforts, Queen Elizabeth awarded him an honorary knighthood (KBE) in 2002.
His second term as mayor ended in late 2001. He later pursued an unsuccessful bid for the Republican Party's presidential nomination.
Giuliani was a key supporter of Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign, notably at the Republican National Convention, and subsequently served as Trump's personal lawyer.
Post-2020 Election Activities and Legal Issues
After the 2020 presidential election, Giuliani and other advisers traveled across the United States promoting false claims that Trump's opponent, Joe Biden, attempted to steal the election.
Subsequently, a jury ordered Giuliani to pay $148 million (£108 million) in damages to two election workers he had accused of ballot fraud, ruling the accusations defamatory. Giuliani was later disbarred, losing his legal credentials due to his false election claims, and he also declared bankruptcy.
In a social media post expressing concern for Giuliani's health, Trump reiterated his unfounded allegations about Democrats stealing the 2020 election and claimed the former mayor had been "treated so badly" by Democrats.
"They cheated on the Elections, fabricated hundreds of stories, did anything possible to destroy our Nation, and now, look at Rudy. So sad!" Trump said.
Previous Accident
Last September, Giuliani was involved in a car accident in New Hampshire. He was a passenger in a Ford Bronco that was rear-ended.
At the time, his security guard reported that Giuliani sustained a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg.
