Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani was hospitalized in Florida this past weekend and currently remains in critical but stable condition as of today, May 4, 2026.
The news was confirmed by his spokesperson, Ted Goodman, who described the 81-year-old as a “fighter” but did not specify the cause of the hospitalization.
1. Signs of Illness and Hospitalization
The health crisis follows a Friday night broadcast of his online show, America’s Mayor Live, where viewers noted Giuliani sounded raspy and appeared to be struggling. He told his audience his voice was “a little under the weather” but continued the program. Less than 48 hours later, he was rushed to the hospital.
2. Trump’s Reaction: “A True Warrior”
President Trump reacted quickly to the news on Truth Social, praising his longtime ally and former personal attorney:
“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 also used the post to criticize political opponents, calling it a “tragedy” that Giuliani had been “treated so badly” during recent legal and financial battles.
3. Jimmy Kimmel’s “Grave” Remark
Public attention has also turned to a poorly timed joke by Jimmy Kimmel. On the April 28 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Kimmel was mocking Giuliani’s reaction to a previous controversy involving First Lady Melania Trump. Kimmel said:
“Last night, America’s mayor, Rudy Giuliani, rose from the grave to weigh in on the ongoing drama involving me.”
Because this “grave” comment occurred just days before Giuliani’s actual life-threatening health crisis, the clip has resurfaced online, drawing significant criticism from Giuliani’s supporters and members of the Trump administration.
4. Context of Recent Health Struggles
Giuliani’s current condition adds to a difficult year for his health:
August 2025: He was hospitalized in New Hampshire after a car accident where he suffered a fractured vertebra and multiple lacerations.
Prostate Cancer: He was famously diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2000.
COVID-19: He spent several days in the hospital with the virus in late 2020.
5. Legal and Public Life
The hospitalization comes at a time when Giuliani remains a polarizing figure. While he was recently appointed to an advisory council within the Department of Homeland Security by President Trump, he has also faced significant legal hurdles, including a $148 million defamation judgment from which he was recently pardoned.
Official updates on his prognosis have not yet been released, and his family has asked for prayers.
