Donald Trump announced Monday that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. The announcement came just days after Giuliani was seriously injured in a car accident.
Trump Confirms Award for Giuliani
Trump shared the news on Truth Social: “As President of the United States of America, I am pleased to announce that Rudy Giuliani, the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot, will receive THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM, our Country’s highest civilian honor.”
He added that details about the ceremony will be announced soon.
Giuliani Recovering After Serious Crash
The announcement follows Giuliani’s accident in New Hampshire on Saturday night. According to spokesman Michael Ragusa, the 81-year-old was driving a rental car when another vehicle hit him from behind at high speed. Giuliani suffered a fractured thoracic vertebra, injuries to his left arm and lower leg, and multiple cuts. Despite this, Ragusa confirmed Giuliani was “in great spirits” and fully alert.
Giuliani’s Career and Ties to Trump
Giuliani, often called “America’s Mayor,” led New York City from 1994 to 2001 and earned praise for his leadership after the 9/11 attacks. Under his administration, the city saw significant crime reductions and economic improvements.
In later years, Giuliani became a close Trump ally, joining his legal team in 2018 and taking part in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Those actions led to major legal challenges, including disbarment in New York and Washington, D.C., and a $148 million defamation judgment in Georgia.
Despite these setbacks, Trump continues to stand by Giuliani, calling him a patriot and friend.