Donald Trump has announced that Rudy Giuliani, the man once known as “America’s Mayor” for leading New York through its darkest days after 9/11, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The announcement came on Truth Social, where Trump praised Giuliani as “the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot.” This recognition comes just days after Giuliani suffered a spinal fracture in a car accident in New Hampshire when his vehicle was “struck from behind at high speed,” according to his head of security, Michael Ragusa. Giuliani has since been released from the hospital.
Giuliani’s career has been one of both triumph and controversy. He was instrumental in restoring law and order to New York City in the 1990s, bringing crime rates to historic lows by rejecting the soft-on-crime policies that left the city unsafe. After the attacks on September 11, 2001, Giuliani’s steady leadership made him a symbol of resilience. His unapologetic approach included taking national security seriously—authorizing surveillance of radical elements to prevent future attacks, a stark contrast to today’s climate of political correctness.
Later, Giuliani joined Trump’s legal team in 2018 and played a prominent role in challenging the integrity of the 2020 election. His efforts earned him relentless attacks from the left, disbarment from practicing law in Washington, D.C., and New York, and a politically charged defamation ruling ordering him to pay $146 million to Fulton County election workers—later settled without any admission of wrongdoing.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was first created in 1945 to honor exceptional contributions to American life. It has been awarded to a wide range of figures—politicians, athletes, religious leaders, and cultural icons. During Trump’s first term, he gave the award to conservative trailblazers like Rush Limbaugh and Rep. Jim Jordan, leaders who, like Giuliani, were never afraid to stand firm against the left’s attacks.
For Giuliani, this honor will serve as recognition not only of his work in the aftermath of 9/11 but also of his broader legacy as a fighter—someone who stood up for American security, American values, and, most recently, election integrity. At a time when many leaders fold under pressure, Giuliani represents the rare figure who, despite being targeted by political opponents and the media alike, has remained steadfast in his convictions.
With this decision, Trump is making it clear: the Medal of Freedom should be reserved for those who have truly put country before self. Giuliani will be the first recipient of his second term, underscoring just how important loyalty, resilience, and courage remain in the fight to preserve America’s freedom.
Giuliani is the best! I remember how bad things were in Manhattan in the late 80s & the 90s and how Giuliani declared war on those who were causing havoc including murder and more. Thank you “Mayor Giuliani” for all you did for NY including your handling of that horrific attack on us on 9/11! There’s been no one as good as you since & possibly before that time. Thanks again. You’ll always be remembered as “No. 1 good guy”!