Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been removed from ventilator support and is breathing on his own following a critical hospitalization for pneumonia, according to a medical update provided Monday.
Giuliani's physician appeared on Fox News to deliver the positive health update, stating the 81-year-old former mayor is doing much better after a priest visited the Florida hospital to anoint him. The medical professional characterized the improvement as significant progress from the critical condition that prompted the emergency hospitalization.
The hospitalization marks the second serious medical incident for Giuliani in recent months. On Sunday, reports emerged that the former mayor had been rushed to a Florida hospital in critical condition while battling pneumonia, a respiratory infection that can prove particularly dangerous for elderly patients.
Giuliani's recent medical history has been concerning for those following his health. In September, he sustained serious injuries in a car crash that required hospitalization. The combination of these incidents within a relatively short timeframe underscores the health challenges facing the octogenarian political figure.
Beyond his tenure as New York City mayor, Giuliani served as President Donald Trump's personal lawyer beginning in 2018. That professional relationship continued until 2024, when Giuliani was disbarred. The disbarment marked a significant fall from grace for the attorney who once enjoyed widespread acclaim for his leadership during the September 11 attacks.
The removal from ventilator support represents a critical milestone in recovery from severe pneumonia. Ventilators are typically reserved for patients whose respiratory systems cannot adequately oxygenate the body independently. The fact that Giuliani no longer requires mechanical breathing assistance suggests his lung function has improved substantially since admission.
While the physician's update Monday provided encouraging news, pneumonia recovery in elderly patients often requires extended hospitalization and careful monitoring. The infection can cause lasting complications even after initial symptoms improve, particularly in patients over 80 years of age.
No timeline has been provided for Giuliani's potential discharge from the Florida medical facility. Hospital officials have not released additional details about his treatment plan or expected recovery period.