President Donald Trump announced that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, calling him “the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City” and a “great American Patriot.”
The honor is the highest civilian award in the United States, given to individuals who have made “especially meritorious” contributions to the nation’s interests, public life, or culture. Giuliani will be the first recipient of the Medal of Freedom during Trump’s second term in office.
“As President of the United States of America, I am pleased to announce that Rudy Giuliani… will receive THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Monday.
“Details as to time and place to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!”
A Legacy Tied to 9/11 — and to Trump
Giuliani, 81, served as Mayor of New York City from 1994 to 2001, earning national and international acclaim for his leadership in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. His steady presence in the days following the tragedy earned him the nickname of “America’s Mayor.”
He later became a central figure in Trump’s political inner circle, serving as a personal attorney and public advocate during and after Trump’s first term in office. Giuliani played a high-profile role in challenging the 2020 election results and remained an outspoken supporter of Trump throughout legal battles and political transitions.
Medal Announcement Follows Serious Car Accident
Trump’s announcement came shortly after Giuliani was hospitalized following a serious car accident in New Hampshire.
According to his head of security, Michael Ragusa, Giuliani had stopped to assist a domestic violence victim and called 911 before his vehicle was struck from behind at high speed on the highway. He was later diagnosed with a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, and injuries to his left arm and lower leg
Despite the injuries, Ragusa said Giuliani is “in good spirits and recovering tremendously.”
Messages of support poured in from allies, including Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Michigan State Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, who shared prayers for the former mayor’s recovery on social media.
Contrast With Biden-Era Medal Recipients
Trump’s decision to honor Giuliani also serves as a pointed contrast with the list of Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients under Joe Biden, several of whom drew controversy among conservatives.
During his presidency, the Medal was awarded to:
- Former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards
- Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
- Soccer player and progressive activist Megan Rapinoe
- Billionaire financier George Soros
- “Civil rights” advocate Raul Yzaguirre, former president of the National Council of La Raza
Critics accused Biden of “reducing the medal to trolling” and using the award to score ideological points.
Awaiting the Ceremony
The White House has not yet released the date or location of Giuliani’s medal ceremony. Sources familiar with the planning say the event could take place later this fall, potentially tied to a public celebration of the 9/11 anniversary — a period during which Giuliani’s legacy is most prominently remembered.
For Trump, awarding the Medal of Freedom to Giuliani seems to be both a personal tribute and a political statement — signaling loyalty, legacy, and a clear departure from the tone set by his Democratic predecessor.
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