Donald Trump Says He Will Award Presidential Medal of Freedom to Rudy Giuliani

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced on September 1, 2025, that he will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to his longtime ally and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Giuliani as “the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City (and) an equally great American Patriot.”

The announcement comes just days after Giuliani, 81, was hospitalized following a serious car crash near Manchester, New Hampshire, that left him with a fractured vertebra and multiple injuries.

Giuliani’s Legacy

Giuliani served as New York City’s mayor from 1994 to 2001, gaining national prominence for his tough-on-crime policies and his leadership during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

He later became one of Trump’s closest advisers, playing a key role as the president’s attorney after the 2020 election and promoting unproven claims of voter fraud. These actions eventually led to his disbarment in 2024 in New York and Washington, DC.

Giuliani was also indicted in Georgia alongside Trump and others for alleged attempts to overturn election results, though proceedings were stalled after Trump’s 2024 election victory.

Recognition Amid Controversy

Despite his legal battles, Giuliani has remained a close Trump ally. Earlier this year, Trump appointed Giuliani’s son, Andrew Giuliani, to head the administration’s task force for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States.

Trump has not yet specified the date or location of the medal ceremony, saying: “Details as to time and place to follow.”