Rudy Giuliani, once hailed as "America’s Mayor" for his leadership in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, has been hospitalized in critical condition, sparking an outpouring of concern from political allies and supporters.
The former New York City mayor, 81, was admitted to a hospital in Florida on Sunday due to an undisclosed illness.
© Getty ImagesNews of his condition comes just days after he appeared visibly unwell during a livestream on Friday night, where he could be heard coughing and acknowledged his weakened voice.
"My voice is a little under the weather so I won’t be able to speak as loudly as I usually do," he told viewers at the time.
In a statement released shortly after his hospitalization, his spokesperson Ted Goodman described Giuliani as resilient despite the severity of his condition.
© Getty Images"Mayor Giuliani is a fighter who has faced every challenge in his life with unwavering strength, and he's fighting with that same level of strength as we speak," he said. "We do ask that you join us in prayer for America’s Mayor, Rudy Giuliani."
The news prompted a swift response from Donald Trump, who praised his longtime ally in an emotional message shared on Truth Social.
© Getty Images"Our fabulous Rudy Giuliani, a True Warrior, and the Best Mayor in the History of New York City, BY FAR, has been hospitalized, and is in critical condition," Trump wrote. "What a tragedy that he was treated so badly… and now, look at Rudy. So sad!"
Rudy rose to national prominence during one of America’s darkest moments, guiding New York City through the devastation of 9/11 and becoming a symbol of resilience and leadership. His steady presence during the crisis cemented his reputation as a defining political figure of his era.
© Getty ImagesIn recent years, however, his life has been marked by mounting legal and financial challenges. In 2023, Rudy filed for bankruptcy, revealing debts totalling approximately $153 million, including damages owed to two Georgia election workers he had defamed.
Court filings showed he held less than $10 million in assets at the time, after being ordered to pay $148 million in damages to Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss over false claims relating to the 2020 presidential election.
