On September 1, 2025, President Donald Trump announced that he will award Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York City, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The announcement, made via Trump’s Truth Social platform, comes just two days after Giuliani was seriously injured in a car accident in New Hampshire. Trump praised Giuliani, calling him “the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot,” and stated that details about the award ceremony would be shared later.
Giuliani’s Car Accident in New Hampshire
On August 30, 2025, Giuliani, 81, was a passenger in a rented Ford Bronco driven by his spokesperson, Ted Goodman, when their vehicle was struck from behind by a Honda HR-V on a New Hampshire highway. According to Michael Ragusa, Giuliani’s head of security, the former mayor sustained a fractured thoracic vertebra, multiple lacerations, contusions, and injuries to his left arm and leg. Despite the severity of his injuries, Ragusa reported that Giuliani was in “great spirits” and “fully alert and conscious.” He was taken to a nearby trauma center, where he was scheduled to be fitted with a brace and begin physical therapy. Goodman, the driver, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also hospitalized.
Ragusa noted that just before the crash, Giuliani had stopped to assist a woman who was a victim of a domestic violence incident. Giuliani contacted 911 and remained at the scene until police arrived. The New Hampshire State Police are investigating the crash and have stated that the driver who struck Giuliani’s vehicle had no connection to the domestic violence incident. They are also examining whether distraction or curiosity about the initial scene contributed to the collision. No charges have been filed as the investigation continues.
Giuliani’s Legacy and Controversies
Rudy Giuliani rose to national prominence as New York City’s mayor from 1994 to 2001, particularly for his leadership following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. His response to the crisis earned him widespread admiration, and he became a prominent political figure. Giuliani later supported Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign and served as his personal attorney, representing him in legal efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.
However, Giuliani’s actions during this period were highly controversial. He was disbarred in New York and Washington, D.C., for spreading false claims about the 2020 election. Courts rejected the election fraud allegations he promoted, and he faced legal consequences, including a $148 million defamation judgment won by two Georgia election workers, Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who received death threats due to Giuliani’s claims. Additionally, Giuliani was criminally charged in Georgia and Arizona and named an unindicted co-conspirator in a federal election interference case against Trump. Giuliani has denied all allegations.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom
Established in 1963, the Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to U.S. security, national interests, world peace, or cultural and public endeavors. Past recipients include Apollo 11 astronauts, actor Denzel Washington, gymnast Simone Biles, and director Steven Spielberg. During his first term, Trump awarded the medal to figures like radio host Rush Limbaugh, golfer Tiger Woods, and baseball legend Babe Ruth.
A Longstanding Alliance
Giuliani and Trump share a decades-long friendship, with Giuliani remaining a loyal supporter through Trump’s political career. Despite reports in 2021 suggesting tension over unpaid legal fees after Trump’s second impeachment, Trump’s campaign adviser Jason Miller publicly reaffirmed Giuliani’s value, calling him a “great guy and a Patriot.” The decision to award Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom underscores their enduring alliance, though it has sparked debate due to Giuliani’s recent legal troubles and disbarment.
As Giuliani recovers from his injuries, the announcement of this prestigious honor marks a significant moment in his complex public life, blending recognition of his past achievements with the controversies that have shaped his recent years.
