Rudy Giuliani, who was once admired as ‘America’s Mayor,’ is back in the headlines after making his first public appearance since a serious car accident late last month. The 81-year-old former New York City mayor arrived at Ground Zero for the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. He was seated in a wheelchair and wore a large body brace. However, his appearance quickly went viral, prompting a new discussion on the internet about his health, legacy, and tumultuous personal life that was often in news.
Who was Rudy Giuliani?
Giuliani first rose to national prominence in the 1980s as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He began to fight high-profile cases against mafia bosses and Wall Street corruption. His tough stand on crime helped him secure the mayoralty of New York City in 1993. During his two terms, he became a polarizing figure who was praised for reducing crime rates but criticized for aggressive policing tactics.
His leadership during and after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks defined his legacy. It shaped him into a symbol of resilience, stability, and American will to fight, which earned him Time magazine’s Person of the Year and the nickname “America’s Mayor.”
Rudy Giuliani’s tumultuous personal life
Apart from politics, Rudy Giuliani’s personal life has often drawn as much attention as his career. He has been married three times, first to Regina Peruggi, then to television personality Donna Hanover, and later to Judith Nathan, a nurse. His messy divorces, public drama, estrangement from his children, and shifting political alliances have kept him in the headlines. In recent years, Rudy’s close association with Donald Trump and his role in challenging the results of the 2020 presidential election further complicated his public image. Also, he faced multiple legal battles, including defamation cases and disbarment.
More about Rudy Giuliani’s car collision
The latest chapter in Rudy Giuliani’s life began on August 30, 2025, when a 19-year-old driver rear-ended him. The accident took place when he was travelling on Interstate 93 in New Hampshire. He sustained injuries. Soon, he was hospitalized for several days. Speaking on his podcast afterward, Rudy admitted the crash could have been fatal if he had not worn his seatbelt. Recently, he attended the September 11 memorial service, where he shook hands, smiled, and met with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo in his first appearance after the incident.
We send our heartfelt prayers to those who lost their loved ones in the heinous attack of 9/11.
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