The documentary “What Happened to America’s Mayor?” explores the rise and fall of Rudy Giuliani, focusing on his transformation from a widely respected mayor of New York City during the 9/11 attacks to a controversial figure involved in the political and legal dramas of the Trump era.
Rudy Giuliani earned the moniker “America’s Mayor” due to his leadership following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. His visibility and poise during the crisis garnered him national and international praise. However, his reputation began to shift in the years that followed. The documentary delves into Giuliani’s career trajectory, examining his time as a federal prosecutor, his two terms as mayor of New York City, and his unsuccessful bids for higher political office.
The film also scrutinizes Giuliani’s business dealings post-mayoralty, his personal life, and his legal work for President Donald Trump, including his role in the Ukraine scandal that led to Trump’s first impeachment. It highlights how Giuliani’s actions during this period, including spreading conspiracy theories and attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, have led to legal challenges and widespread criticism.
The documentary features interviews with colleagues, journalists, and political analysts, providing a multifaceted view of Giuliani’s complex public life. It aims to understand how a figure once seen as a unifying leader during one of America’s darkest hours could later become a divisive character in the nation’s political landscape. Through archival footage and contemporary commentary, “What Happened to America’s Mayor?” presents a comprehensive look at Giuliani’s public persona and the series of events that have shaped his legacy.
