President Donald Trump on Monday announced he will award his former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who was disbarred over his push to overturn the 2020 election, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
The award, which was established by former President John F. Kennedy in 1963, is typically reserved for individuals “who have made exceptional contributions to the security or national interests of America, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors,” according to the White House. Past recipients have included Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Mother Teresa.
But Trump now seems to think Giuliani is deserving of the prestigious award.
“As President of the United States of America, I am pleased to announce that Rudy Giuliani, the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot, will receive THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. “Details as to time and place to follow.”
Trump’s announcement comes days after Giuliani was injured in a car crash in New Hampshire on Saturday night and was treated for “fractured thoracic vertebrae, multiple lacerations and contusions, as well as injuries to his left arm and lower leg,” said Michael Ragusa, the head of his security. Giuliani was released from the hospital Monday, according to The New York Times.
Giuliani, who served as New York City mayor from 1994 to 2001 prior to supporting Trump’s 2016 White House bid and joining his legal team in 2018, was one of the key architects of Trump’s effort to undo Joe Biden’s win in the 2020 presidential race. Giuliani’s involvement in the push to overturn that race got him indicted in both Georgia and Arizona.
Giuliani also lost a defamation lawsuit two Georgia election workers brought against him, owing the two women almost $150 million in damages, but finally reached a settlement agreement with them last year.
Giuliani, once lauded as “America’s mayor,” has also been disbarred from the practice of law in New York and the District of Columbia over his actions.
During his first term in office, Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to GOP donor Miriam Adelson, late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), among others.