A presidential promise fueled by compassion and controversy after a serious crash and ongoing legal battles.
When Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Rudy Giuliani “will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” he cast a national spotlight on a dramatic turn of events. Just two days earlier, the former New York mayor was hospitalized with a fractured vertebra after a collision on Interstate 93 in Manchester, New Hampshire. The pledge—only a sitting president can formally award the honor—reads as a campaign promise. Yet it also reignites debate over Giuliani’s legacy: celebrated for his post-9/11 leadership but mired in legal battles over the 2020 election and a $148 million defamation judgment.
The Pledge vs. Presidential Procedure
Trump’s message praised Giuliani as “the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot,” then declared, “As President of the United States, I am pleased to announce that Rudy Giuliani… will receive THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM” (Axios).
What is the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States, awarded by a sitting president to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to national security, world peace, culture, or public welfare.
Because Trump is out of office, his statement functions as a campaign pledge, not an immediate award. Only a serving president can sign the official proclamation and hold the White House ceremony (ABC News).
The New Hampshire Crash: Sequence and Aftermath
On August 30, 2025, at roughly 9:50 p.m., Giuliani was riding in a Ford Bronco on I-93 northbound near Manchester when a Honda HR-V struck the SUV from behind (WMUR). State police were already on scene for an unrelated domestic-violence call when the collision occurred.
Giuliani, 81, suffered a fractured thoracic vertebra, multiple contusions, and lacerations to his left arm and lower leg. He was treated at a Manchester trauma center and released several days later (AP News). No citations have been issued, and the investigation remains open.
Giuliani’s Legal Quagmire
Georgia RICO Indictment
Giuliani faces charges under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act for efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He pleaded not guilty after his September 2023 arraignment and has since filed motions to dismiss. No trial date is set (AP News).
Arizona Alternate Electors Case
Arizona prosecutors charged Giuliani in May 2025 for submitting false slates of electors. That case remains in early pre-trial stages, with arguments over evidence and venue pending (PBS NewsHour).
Freeman & Moss Defamation Verdict
On December 15, 2023, a federal jury awarded $148 million to Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea “Shaye” Moss. The plaintiffs proved Giuliani’s false claims of ballot fraud caused them fear and reputational harm. Giuliani’s Chapter 11 filing in late 2023 has stalled collection, though courts have held him in contempt for incomplete asset disclosures (Reuters).
Disbarment and Discipline
- New York disbarred Giuliani on July 7, 2024, after finding he made “false and misleading statements” about the 2020 election (AP News).
- Washington, D.C., followed with disbarment effective September 26, 2024 (The Guardian).
The Medal of Freedom: History and Debate
Established by President Kennedy in 1963, the Medal of Freedom has honored figures from civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. to cultural icons such as Maya Angelou. Recipients span politics, science, sports, and the arts.
Supporters argue Giuliani’s role after 9/11—coordinating rescue efforts, reducing crime rates, and symbolizing national resilience—merits the distinction. Critics counter that elevating someone convicted of defamation, disbarred for promoting election lies, and indicted under RICO would degrade the medal’s meaning.
“It undercuts the credibility of the award,” said Lisa Graves, director of the Center for Media and Democracy. “Honoring a figure so embroiled in anti-democratic activity sends the wrong message.”
Public Reactions and Political Optics
Three dynamics to watch:
- Base Mobilization vs. Swing Voters
Trump’s pledge energizes his core supporters but risks alienating independents who view election denialism as disqualifying. - Norm Erosion
The Medal has crossed partisan lines; using it as a campaign cudgel could normalize hyper-partisan honors. - Legal Backdrop
A future award ceremony would unfold amid ongoing trials and financial judgments, shaping how the public remembers Giuliani.
Conservative commentators hailed Trump’s pledge as a fitting tribute. MSNBC and CNN analysts warned it could deepen distrust in democratic institutions.
Call to Action
Rudy Giuliani’s journey from “America’s Mayor” to a figure facing indictments, disbarment, and a multi-million-dollar verdict underscores the fraught intersection of honor and accountability. Trump’s promise to award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom—while legally void without a White House return—signals a broader debate about who merits America’s highest civilian honor.
If you believe national awards should reflect truth, justice, and civic trust, consider these steps: reach out to elected leaders about ethical standards for public recognition, support transparency in presidential nominations, and stay informed through reputable journalism. Your voice will help shape the legacy of our country’s honors and our democracy itself.
