The president’s announcement comes just days after Giuliani was hospitalized following a car crash.
President Donald Trump said on Sept. 1 that he would honor former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Trump announced the award in a Truth Social post, calling Giuliani “the greatest mayor in the history of New York City” and “an equally great American Patriot.”
Details on the time and location of the award ceremony will be announced later, according to the statement.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is typically awarded to individuals who have made meritorious contributions to U.S. security, national interests, world peace, or other significant public or private endeavors.
Giuliani, elected as New York City mayor in 1993, was once hailed as “America’s Mayor” for his response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, when terrorists crashed hijacked airliners into the World Trade Center’s twin towers and killed nearly 3,000 people.
Giuliani also served as Trump’s attorney in efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. He lost his law license in 2024 after a state court found he made false claims about the election.
Trump’s announcement came as Giuliani was recovering from injuries he sustained in a car crash on Aug. 30. His security chief, Michael Ragusa, said on X that Giuliani’s vehicle was struck from behind at high speed while he was driving on a highway in New Hampshire.
@RudyGiuliani was in a car accident in NH on Aug 30 after assisting a domestic violence victim. He sustained injuries but is in good spirits and recovering tremendously. Thank you for the prayers & support. 🙏 official statement below. pic.twitter.com/ohYJCcXpjR
— Michael Ragusa (@themikeragu) August 31, 2025
New Hampshire State Police said that before the car accident, Giuliani and his driver, Theodore Goodman, were traveling southbound on Interstate 93.
While on the road, they were flagged down by a woman who said she had been involved in a domestic violence incident. Giuliani called 911, and they remained on the scene until troopers arrived.
Giuliani and Goodman then traveled northbound on Interstate 93 before their vehicle was struck from behind, prompting troopers already at the initial scene to respond immediately. Police said that no charges have been filed so far, and the crash is still being investigated.
