Summary
- Trump to award Rudy Giuliani Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- Medal is the highest U.S. civilian honor.
- Announcement came after Giuliani's serious car crash injuries.
- Giuliani was praised as the greatest NYC mayor and patriot.
The announcement comes after Giuliani was involved in a car accident in New Hampshire over the weekend.
“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. Details as to time and place to follow,”
Trump posted on Truth Social Monday afternoon.
After the 9/11 attacks, Giuliani, who was mayor of New York City at the time and was frequently dubbed "America's mayor," has been embroiled in a number of legal and financial issues since the 2020 election, when he was instrumental in numerous of Trump's attempts to try to overturn the results.
The president, who in June nominated Giuliani to an advisory group within the Department of Homeland Security, has remained supportive of him.
Michael Ragusa, Giuliani's head of security, said in a statement on X that his car was hit from behind at "high speed" on Saturday night.
After being taken to a neighboring trauma clinic, Giuliani was diagnosed with numerous cuts, contusions, and a fractured thoracic vertebrae.
Giuliani was "in great spirits" and "fully alert and conscious," according to Ragusa.
What reason did Trump give for choosing Giuliani for the Medal of Freedom?
President Donald Trump gave the reason for choosing Rudy Giuliani for the Presidential Medal of Freedom by calling him "the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot." Trump highlighted Giuliani's leadership during his tenure as mayor, especially his response in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, and praised his patriotic service to the country.
Trump expressed his pleasure in announcing the award publicly via a social media post, emphasizing Giuliani’s status as an outstanding figure both as a city leader and a patriot.
While Trump did not elaborate on specific recent actions or controversies in his announcement, the recognition aligns with Giuliani’s long standing loyalty and support for Trump’s political endeavors.