Giuliani’s Doctor Provides Health Update

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is now breathing independently after being removed from a ventilator, marking a dramatic turnaround in his health condition that had previously been described as critical, his doctor confirmed.

Dr. Maria Ryan told Fox News that Giuliani’s condition had deteriorated significantly after returning from Paris, eventually requiring hospitalization and ventilator support. His situation became so dire that a priest was called to his bedside to perform last rites.

“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.”

By Tuesday, doctors were able to remove the 81-year-old former mayor from the ventilator. While he remains in critical but stable condition, he is now able to breathe on his own and speak. Ryan expressed optimism about his prospects, stating that she expects him to make a full recovery.

Ted Goodman, Giuliani’s spokesperson, reinforced this positive development in a video posted to social media platform X, describing Giuliani as “the ultimate fighter.”

A spokesperson highlighted Giuliani’s existing health challenges, noting his exposure to debris while responding to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks at Ground Zero, which later led to a diagnosis of restrictive airway disease. This underlying respiratory condition likely complicated his current health crisis.

Giuliani has faced several significant health challenges in recent years while maintaining an active public profile. In August 2025, he suffered serious injuries in a car accident in New Hampshire, including a fractured thoracic vertebrae and multiple lacerations, when the vehicle he was traveling in was struck from behind on Interstate 93 in Manchester.

Despite these setbacks, Giuliani has shown remarkable resilience, returning to work and public appearances following previous health scares. His current health situation comes amid ongoing legal challenges, including being held in contempt of court in a defamation case related to the 2020 election.

Giuliani rose to national prominence during his tenure as New York City mayor from 1994 to 2001, particularly for his leadership following the September 11 attacks. His response to the crisis earned him widespread acclaim and the nickname “America’s Mayor.”

In recent years, he has remained a controversial figure in American politics, serving as personal attorney to former President Donald Trump and becoming entangled in various legal disputes related to the 2020 election and other matters.

Medical professionals will continue monitoring Giuliani’s condition closely in the coming days as he continues his recovery. The improvement in his breathing represents a significant positive development after what appeared to be a life-threatening situation.

Ryan characterized the turnaround as nearly miraculous given the severity of his condition just days earlier, underscoring the dramatic nature of his improvement.

While Giuliani remains hospitalized, his team expressed cautious optimism about his continued recovery, noting that his fighting spirit has been evident throughout this health crisis.