WASHINGTON – Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a prominent ally of Donald Trump, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the White House announced Monday. The award comes as Giuliani continues to recover from injuries sustained in a weekend car accident and amid ongoing legal and financial challenges.
Giuliani rose to national prominence as mayor during the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, earning the moniker “America’s mayor” for his widely praised leadership in the aftermath. However, he has faced increasing scrutiny since the 2020 election, where he actively promoted unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud in an effort to overturn the results.The Medal of Freedom recognizes extraordinary contributions to the United states, and the decision to honour Giuliani now underscores Trump’s continued support for his longtime associate despite these controversies.
The White House statement highlighted Giuliani’s decades of public service, including his tenure as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and his leadership as mayor. It specifically cited his response to the 9/11 attacks as a defining moment of courage and resolve.
Giuliani was hospitalized Saturday after his vehicle was struck from behind at “high speed,” according to his head of security, michael Ragusa. He was diagnosed with a fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, and injuries to his left arm and lower leg. Ragusa reported that Giuliani is “in great spirits” and “fully alert and conscious.”
Despite his recent injuries and legal battles, trump appointed Giuliani to an advisory council within the Department of homeland security in June, signaling his ongoing confidence in the former mayor. The Presidential medal of Freedom ceremony date has not yet been announced.
