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Giuliani hospitalized, condition critical but stable
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is receiving treatment in hospital after his spokesman described his condition as "stable but critical" on Monday.
Ted Goodman, Giuliani's spokesperson, shared the update in a social media post, emphasizing Giuliani's resilience. "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," Goodman wrote.
Trump praises Giuliani's legacy
Former President Donald Trump responded to the news on Truth Social, calling Giuliani "the Best Mayor in the History of New York City, BY FAR." Trump also commended Giuliani's efforts in contesting the 2020 election results on his behalf.
No additional details about Giuliani's illness have been disclosed. The 81-year-old former mayor sustained injuries in a car accident late last year.
A career marked by crisis leadership
Giuliani earned the nickname "America's Mayor" for his leadership during the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks. In recognition of his role, Queen Elizabeth II awarded him an honorary knighthood (KBE) in 2002.
After leaving office in 2004, Giuliani made an unsuccessful bid for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008. He later became a key supporter of Trump's 2016 campaign, delivering a high-profile speech at the Republican National Convention. Giuliani subsequently served as Trump's personal attorney.
Legal battles and election claims
Following the 2020 presidential election, Giuliani and other Trump advisers traveled across the U.S. promoting unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud. They accused Democratic candidate Joe Biden of attempting to "steal" the election.
In December 2023, a jury ordered Giuliani to pay $148 million (£108 million) in damages to two Georgia election workers he had falsely accused of ballot fraud. The ruling stemmed from a defamation lawsuit filed by the workers.
In his social media post about Giuliani's hospitalization, Trump reiterated his baseless claims about the 2020 election. "They cheated on the Elections, fabricated hundreds of stories, did anything possible to destroy our Nation, and now, look at Rudy. So sad!" Trump wrote.
Recent injuries and health concerns
Giuliani was involved in a car accident in New Hampshire last September. According to his security guard, he suffered a fractured thoracic vertebra, multiple lacerations, contusions, and injuries to his left arm and lower leg after their Ford Bronco was struck from behind.
Goodman concluded his statement with a call for prayers. "We do ask that you join us in prayer for America's Mayor Rudy Giuliani," he said.
