Trump to Honor Rudy Giuliani With Presidential Medal of Freedom/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump announced he will award Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom, praising him as “the greatest mayor” in U.S. history. Giuliani, 81, remains hospitalized after a car crash in New Hampshire. Once hailed for his leadership after 9/11, Giuliani later faced disbarment, defamation judgments, and criminal charges tied to election denial efforts.
Trump Giuliani Medal Quick Looks
- Trump to award Giuliani nation’s highest civilian honor
- Giuliani injured in serious New Hampshire car crash Saturday
- Former NYC mayor fractured vertebra, suffered arm and leg injuries
- Trump praises Giuliani as “great American Patriot”
- Giuliani rose to fame leading NYC after 9/11
- Later became Trump’s personal lawyer in 2020 election disputes
- Disbarred in New York and Washington for false election claims
- Ordered to pay $148 million to Georgia election workers
- Facing criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona election cases
- Medal of Freedom recognizes extraordinary contributions to U.S. society
Trump to Honor Rudy Giuliani With Presidential Medal of Freedom
Deep Look
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Monday that he will award former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The announcement comes just two days after Giuliani, 81, was hospitalized following a serious car crash in New Hampshire.
Trump lauded his longtime ally on Truth Social, calling him “the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot.”
Rise, Fall, and Loyalty
Giuliani’s trajectory has been among the most dramatic in American politics. Once revered for his leadership in the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, he became known as “America’s Mayor.” His national profile spurred a 2008 presidential bid, though it faltered quickly.
His legacy shifted as he joined Trump’s inner circle as a personal lawyer. Giuliani was a central figure in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, advancing unfounded fraud claims that courts across the country rejected. His rhetoric and legal filings contributed to widespread disinformation, culminating in a $148 million defamation judgment in favor of Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who said Giuliani’s falsehoods exposed them to harassment and death threats.
Legal Troubles Mount
The fallout was severe. Giuliani was disbarred in New York and Washington, D.C., with disciplinary panels citing his repeated false statements. Prosecutors in Georgia and Arizona later charged him in connection with attempts to reverse Trump’s 2020 loss to Joe Biden. Giuliani has denied all wrongdoing.
Recent Accident
On Saturday night, Giuliani was a passenger in a rented Ford Bronco driven by spokesperson Ted Goodman when the SUV was rear-ended by a Honda HR-V. According to security chief Michael Ragusa, Giuliani sustained a fractured thoracic vertebra, multiple lacerations, and injuries to his arm and leg. He remains hospitalized but is expected to be released soon.
The Medal of Freedom
Created in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, the Presidential Medal of Freedom honors individuals who make “especially meritorious contributions” to U.S. security, national interests, world peace, or cultural advancement. Past recipients include presidents, civil rights leaders, artists, and innovators.
By awarding Giuliani, Trump signals both personal loyalty and political defiance — celebrating the former mayor’s post-9/11 leadership while disregarding his more recent controversies.
The Bigger Picture
The announcement underscores Trump’s pattern of rewarding allies who stood firmly with him during his most embattled moments. For Giuliani, the honor could serve as a counterpoint to years of scandal, though critics argue it risks diminishing the medal’s prestige.
For Trump, the decision is another assertion of control over presidential symbolism as his administration enters a volatile fall marked by shutdown threats, law enforcement crackdowns, and foreign policy strains.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.