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His business partner and longtime ally Tom von Essen, who worked alongside Giuliani during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, described the situation bluntly.
“Rudy had a tough weekend. He had pneumonia,” von Essen said, adding that Monday would be “an important day” in determining the direction of his recovery.
Now, there are clear signs that the tide may be turning.
Giuliani spokesman Ted Goodman confirmed that the former mayor is no longer dependent on machines for breathing and is surrounded by loved ones as he continues to recover.
“Mayor Giuliani is the ultimate fighter, as he has demonstrated throughout his life, and he is winning this battle,” Goodman said.
Another source close to Giuliani echoed that optimism, noting that the improvement appears steady for now.
“Today was a good day and tomorrow should be even better, barring any unforeseen setbacks.”
Medical professionals treating Giuliani are also cautiously hopeful. His physician, Maria Ryan, did not hold back in describing his resilience.
“And all the prayers from around — it’s like a miracle. This guy’s got 9 lives, today he’s doing much better,” Ryan said, while confirming that a priest had been called to anoint him during the most critical moments.
Behind the current health scare lies a deeper, long-term issue tied to Giuliani’s service during one of America’s darkest days. According to his team, his respiratory complications stem from exposure and strain suffered during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
“On September 11th, Mayor Giuliani ran toward the towers to help those in need, which led to a restrictive airway disease diagnosis,” Goodman explained.
“This disease adds complications to any emerging respiratory issue, and the virus quickly overwhelmed his body, requiring mechanical ventilation to maintain his blood pressure.”
As news of his condition spread, messages of support began pouring in from across the political spectrum, including from former President Donald Trump and current New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“Absolutely, I’m wishing strength and recovery to former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and his loved ones during this difficult time. And I hope that his recovery is steady, and I hope that his family finds peace in one another during this time,” Mamdani said.
“I think former Mayor Giuliani is someone that we, as New Yorkers, know well, and he’s been a fixture in our city’s politics and public life for so many years, and I know that many New Yorkers are concerned by reports he is in critical condition and so we do keep him and his family in our prayers at this time,” he added.
Former New York Governor George Pataki also expressed shock at the sudden health crisis, revealing he had been expecting to see Giuliani at an upcoming event.
“I was looking forward to seeing him … and being able to talk at length,” Pataki said. “I haven’t talked to him in a few months.”
“So obviously now we just hope he gets better,” he added.
The outpouring of support underscores Giuliani’s long-standing presence in American public life. For decades, he has been a towering figure in New York politics, particularly remembered for his leadership during times of crisis.
Radio host Dominic Carter captured that sentiment during a recent appearance, declaring, “History is going to judge Rudy Giuliani as the greatest mayor of New York City ever.”
Meanwhile, Catsimatidis reflected on his decades-long friendship with Giuliani, emphasizing that even past disagreements never broke their bond.
“Friends for 40 years, brothers for 40 years,” he said.
“Do brothers have arguments? Of course, we did. We kissed and made up.”
For now, the focus remains on Giuliani’s recovery. While his condition is still serious, the latest developments suggest that the man once dubbed “America’s Mayor” is not backing down from this fight.
