Rudy Giuliani Recovering from Pneumonia After Ventilation, Spokesman Says

Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and longtime supporter of President Donald Trump, is recovering from pneumonia and now breathing on his own, his spokesman said.

Ted Goodman announced the update in a statement on X. He said Giuliani has suffered from restrictive airway disease since the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. That condition reduced his ability to fight off pneumonia.

"The virus quickly overwhelmed his body, requiring mechanical ventilation to maintain adequate oxygen and stabilize his condition," Goodman said. He called Giuliani "the ultimate fighter" who is now "winning this battle."

Goodman noted that on September 11, Mayor Giuliani ran toward the towers to help those in need. That effort later led to his diagnosis of restrictive airway disease.

After mechanical ventilation, Giuliani is breathing on his own with his family and primary medical provider at his side, Goodman said.

Diseases from the toxic dust and smoke of the 9/11 attacks continue to cause health problems for victims and first responders, including firefighters, police officers and medical workers. Researchers say these illnesses have killed twice as many people in the 25 years since as died in the attacks themselves.

Goodman announced Sunday that Giuliani had been hospitalized in critical condition but gave no details on his illness at the time.

Giuliani earned the nickname "America's Mayor" for leading New York City after the 9/11 attacks. Queen Elizabeth awarded him an honorary knighthood, KBE, in 2002 for his leadership. His second term as mayor ended at the close of 2001. He later sought the Republican presidential nomination but lost.

Giuliani backed Trump's 2016 White House campaign, speaking at the Republican National Convention. He later served as Trump's personal lawyer.

After the 2020 election, Giuliani and other advisers traveled the country. They made false claims about the results and accused Joe Biden of trying to steal the election.

A jury ordered Giuliani to pay $148 million (£108 million) to two election workers he accused of ballot fraud. The award was for defamation. He was disbarred over his false election claims and later declared bankruptcy.

In a social media post about Giuliani's health, Trump repeated false claims that Democrats stole the 2020 election. He said Democrats had "treated so badly" the ex-mayor.

"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.