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Rudy Giuliani

Rudy Giuliani is an American lawyer and politician who served as mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Rudy Giuliani is an American lawyer and politician who served as mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001. He became nationally prominent for his leadership during and after the September 11, 2001, attacks. He later became known as an ally and lawyer to Donald Trump.

Early life and education

Rudolph William Giuliani was born on May 28, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York City. He studied at Manhattan College and later earned a law degree from New York University School of Law. He began his legal career in public service and private practice.

Before becoming mayor, Giuliani served in senior federal legal roles, including Associate Attorney General and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He became known for prosecutions involving organized crime and public corruption.

Mayor of New York City

Giuliani was elected mayor in 1993 and served two terms beginning in 1994. His administration emphasized crime reduction and later became closely associated with the city’s response to the September 11 attacks.

After leaving office, Giuliani remained active in Republican politics and ran for president in 2008. He later acted as an adviser and lawyer for Donald Trump, including in efforts tied to the 2020 presidential election.

Key facts

  • Served as New York City mayor from 1994 to 2001.
  • Gained national attention for his role during the September 11 attacks.
  • Worked as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
  • Ran for Republican presidential nomination in 2008.
  • Later became involved in Donald Trump’s legal efforts regarding the 2020 election.
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Canadian context

Giuliani is relevant to Canadian readers primarily through his prominence in U.S. politics, his role during the September 11 attacks, and his later involvement in Donald Trump-related election disputes that also drew attention in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Rudy Giuliani?
Rudy Giuliani is an American lawyer and politician best known as the former mayor of New York City.
When was Rudy Giuliani born?
He was born on May 28, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York City.
What office did Rudy Giuliani hold?
He served as mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001.
Why is Rudy Giuliani widely known?
He became widely known for his mayoralty and for his public leadership during the September 11 attacks.
Did Rudy Giuliani run for president?
Yes. He sought the Republican nomination in the 2008 U.S. presidential race.

References

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rudy-Giuliani
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, occupation, mayoral term, and major public roles including 9/11 response and Trump-related election efforts.
  2. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/political-figures/rudolph-giuliani
    Supports: Overview of career path, mayoralty, 2008 presidential campaign, and later work with Donald Trump.
  3. U.S. House of Representatives — https://docs.house.gov/meetings/HM/HM00/20150908/103859/HHRG-114-HM00-Bio-GiulianiR-20150908.pdf
    Supports: Biographical details including birth in Brooklyn and election as mayor in 1993.
  4. HISTORY — https://www.history.com/articles/rudy-giuliani
    Supports: Background, education, and later association with Donald Trump as adviser and personal lawyer.