On September 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Trump praised Giuliani as “the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City” and “an equally great American patriot.”
The announcement comes two days after Giuliani, 81, was seriously injured in a car accident in New Hampshire. He suffered a fractured thoracic vertebra and multiple bruises but was expected to be released from the hospital soon. The accident occurred after Giuliani and his driver stopped to assist a woman involved in a domestic violence incident; their vehicle was rear-ended while re-entering the highway.
Giuliani, who served as mayor from 1994 to 2001, gained national prominence for his leadership following the September 11 attacks. However, his recent years have been marked by controversy, including being disbarred in New York and Washington, D.C., and facing criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. He was also found liable for $148 million in a defamation case involving two Georgia election workers.
Despite these challenges, Trump has reaffirmed his support for Giuliani, highlighting his earlier contributions to public life. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or other significant public endeavors.
