Rudy Giuliani Breathing on Own After Ventilator Removal, Doctor Says

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is breathing on his own after doctors took him off a ventilator, his doctor said Tuesday. She described him as having "9 lives" after a sharp improvement from a life-threatening condition.

Dr. Maria Ryan told Fox News correspondent Danamarie McNicholl that Giuliani fell ill after returning from a trip to Paris. His breathing worsened until he needed hospitalization and a ventilator.

Ryan said his state grew dire enough that doctors called a priest to his bedside for last rites. By Tuesday, though, he had stabilized sufficiently for removal from the ventilator. He now breathes independently, can speak, and remains in critical but stable condition.

"He’s a fighter — the way he was yesterday in such a critical condition, he did have a priest come anoint him," Ryan said. "And all the prayers from around — it’s like a miracle. This guy’s got 9 lives, today he’s doing much better."

Ryan expects Giuliani to recover fully.

A spokesperson noted Giuliani's health history after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. He faced debris exposure while responding at Ground Zero, which later brought a diagnosis of restrictive airway disease.

In a video on X, Ted Goodman said Giuliani is "breathing on his own" and in "critical but stable condition."

"Mayor Rudy Giuliani is the ultimate fighter," Goodman said.

Giuliani, 81, landed in the hospital with severe breathing problems. His team had described him as critical but stable. He has dealt with other health issues in recent years but stayed active publicly.

In August 2025, he suffered serious injuries in a car crash in New Hampshire. Authorities said another vehicle struck his from behind on Interstate 93 in Manchester. He sustained a fractured thoracic vertebra, multiple lacerations, and other injuries.

Giuliani resumed work and public appearances in the months after.

Ryan called the recent gain a turning point. Doctors plan close monitoring in coming days.

Fox News Digital’s Charles Creitz contributed to this report.