President Trump has announced that Rudy Giuliani, his former lawyer and the ex-mayor of New York City, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Trump hailed Giuliani as “the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City” and “an equally great American Patriot,” in a statement on his Truth Social platform.
The announcement came just two days after Giuliani, aged 81, sustained serious injuries in a car accident in New Hampshire while stopped to assist a domestic violence victim. He suffered a fractured thoracic vertebra, lacerations, and contusions, but his condition is improving and he is expected to be released from the hospital soon.
Giuliani’s recognition reflects Trump’s enduring alliance with him. Once heralded as “America’s Mayor” for his leadership following the September 11 attacks, Giuliani later faced disbarment, sanctions, and a staggering $148 million defamation judgment tied to false claims of election fraud. He also faces criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona related to post-2020 election efforts.
Despite these legal challenges, Trump’s decision to honor Giuliani underscores his prominent and loyal role in the president’s political orbit.
