Trump to Award Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom Following Car Accident

Trump to Award Rudy Giuliani Presidential Medal of Freedom Following Car Accident

Sept. 2, 2025, 1:22 PM EDT
By Erum Salam

In a surprising announcement this weekend, former President Donald Trump declared that he will award Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This news comes just days after Giuliani was involved in a serious car accident in New Hampshire, resulting in a reported spinal fracture.

Trump took to Truth Social on Monday to praise Giuliani, calling him “the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot.” The timing of the announcement has raised eyebrows, given Giuliani’s recent health scare.

According to Michael Ragusa, who identified himself as head of Giuliani’s security, the former mayor’s vehicle was “struck from behind at high speed.” Giuliani has since been discharged from the hospital, as confirmed in a statement to NBC News.

Giuliani, who served as Trump’s legal adviser, joined the former president’s team in 2018 and played a pivotal role in challenging the 2020 election results. However, his legal career has faced significant setbacks; he was disbarred in both Washington, D.C., and New York for promoting unfounded claims of widespread voter fraud. Additionally, he was sued for defamation by two Fulton County election workers, with a federal judge ordering him to pay $146 million. A settlement was reached earlier this year, which Giuliani stated “does not involve an admission of liability or wrongdoing.”

The former mayor is also known for his leadership during the September 11 attacks in 2001, where he was credited for his response efforts. However, his tenure was not without controversy; Giuliani admitted to authorizing surveillance of Muslim communities and placing undercover agents in mosques during his time as mayor.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, originally established by President Harry S. Truman in 1945, honors individuals for their contributions to the nation. Giuliani would be the first recipient of this prestigious award during Trump’s second presidency. Previous controversial recipients from Trump’s first term include conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh and House Rep. Jim Jordan, both of whom have been associated with contentious political narratives.

As the nation watches, the award ceremony for Giuliani is expected to draw significant attention, reflecting the complex legacy of both the former mayor and the former president.