Washington DC, September 2(HS): Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is set to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States, announced former President Donald Trump on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump lauded Giuliani as the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot, highlighting Giuliani’s celebrated leadership in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, which earned him the moniker America’s Mayor.

The announcement follows Giuliani’s recent car accident in New Hampshire, in which he sustained back injuries but has since been discharged from hospital. Giuliani has yet to comment publicly on the award or the timing of its formal conferral.

Giuliani's legacy as mayor includes widespread acclaim for his crisis leadership, recognition by Time magazine as Person of the Year in 2001, and an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. His political trajectory saw an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2008 and a prominent role as a legal adviser to Trump during the 2016 campaign.

In recent years, Giuliani’s reputation has been marred by personal and financial difficulties, along with legal challenges stemming from efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, where he faced defamation lawsuits resulting in substantial financial penalties and the loss of his legal license. His formal legal association with Trump ended in 2021, though personal ties reportedly endured.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to national interests, security, or public endeavors, joining a distinguished roster of honourees including Muhammad Ali, Jane Goodall, and Michael J. Fox.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar