Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani remained hospitalized Monday as he battles pneumonia. The 81-year-old leader, who became known as “America’s Mayor” after the 9/11 attacks, spent a difficult weekend in the hospital but is now showing progress.
Giuliani’s longtime business partner, Tom von Essen — who served as the city’s fire commissioner during the September 11, 2001, terror attacks — said the former mayor had a tough few days. “Today is an important day,” von Essen told reporters, hinting at a possible turning point in Giuliani’s condition.
Spokesman Ted Goodman confirmed that Giuliani is recovering from pneumonia and is being closely monitored. He is now breathing on his own, with family members and his primary doctor by his side. Goodman described the former mayor as in critical but stable condition and said he is “winning this battle.”
The illness is connected to a restrictive airway disease Giuliani developed after his exposure to dust and toxins while working at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks. That pre-existing condition made the pneumonia more dangerous, and he needed mechanical ventilation at one point to help maintain his blood pressure.
Goodman noted that Giuliani “ran toward the towers to help those in need” on 9/11, which led to his long-term respiratory issues. Any new respiratory problem can quickly become serious because of that earlier damage.
Several people close to Giuliani said he was doing better on Monday. President Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani were among those who sent well wishes. Giuliani’s family expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support and asked for continued prayers.
Just days earlier, on Friday, May 1, Giuliani had been seen coughing during an appearance on his podcast, “America’s Mayor Live.”
Giuliani has been a major political figure for decades. He served two terms as mayor of New York City and became one of the most recognizable leaders in the country after the 9/11 attacks. His current health battle has drawn attention from supporters across the political spectrum who are hoping for a full recovery.
