Donald Trump has revealed that he intends to grant Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City and one of his most loyal political allies, the highest civilian award in the United States. The announcement stunned both supporters and critics, as Giuliani remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern politics—revered by some as “America’s Mayor” after September 11, yet ridiculed by others for his role in Trump’s election fights. The decision, according to aides, reflects Trump’s desire to rewrite Giuliani’s legacy on his own terms, even as the former mayor faces mounting legal troubles.
According to Reuters, Trump told a crowd at his Florida estate that Giuliani would be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom if he returns to the White House. “Rudy is a patriot, a fighter, and one of the bravest men I’ve ever known,” Trump declared, drawing thunderous applause. He described Giuliani as a man who “stood tall when America was on its knees” and pledged to ensure his service was recognized at the highest level. The crowd chanted Giuliani’s name, echoing through the ballroom.
The announcement comes at a time when Giuliani is entangled in multiple legal battles. As reported by The New York Times, Giuliani is facing lawsuits over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and has been accused of spreading conspiracy theories in the aftermath. To Trump’s critics, honoring Giuliani is a provocation—a deliberate act meant to enrage opponents and cement loyalty among his base. One Democratic strategist told reporters: “This is less about Giuliani’s record and more about Trump rewarding loyalty above all else.”
“Trump says Rudy Giuliani deserves the Medal of Freedom. This is going to spark fireworks.”— @PoliticsWatch
For Trump supporters, however, the gesture resonates deeply. Coverage from Fox News highlighted the standing ovation Giuliani received when Trump mentioned his name. To them, he is the man who cleaned up New York, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with firefighters after the towers fell, and later risked his reputation to fight for Trump’s presidency. “We never forget what Rudy did for this country,” one supporter told reporters. “He deserves every honor.”
International media have also reacted strongly. Reports in The Guardian noted that European allies were stunned by Trump’s declaration, seeing it as another example of how he rewards loyalty over traditional merit. Analysts writing for FT argued that the move reveals Trump’s long-standing strategy of reshaping history in real time, using symbolic gestures to blur the line between heroism and loyalty. For many, it is a decision that says as much about Trump as it does about Giuliani.
“Giuliani’s legacy is now in Trump’s hands. He calls him a hero, others call him disgraced.”— @AnalystReport
Critics of Giuliani point to his recent downfall. Once a celebrated prosecutor who took down mob bosses, his later years have been defined by bizarre press conferences, including the infamous moment at Four Seasons Total Landscaping that became a viral punchline. As reported by CNN, Giuliani has faced accusations of spreading lies about voting machines, leading to massive defamation lawsuits. To his detractors, Trump’s proposed award is an insult to the very idea of national honor.
Yet for Giuliani himself, the gesture is a lifeline. Friends told TIME that he has felt abandoned in recent years as his finances dwindled and his legal woes mounted. Trump’s promise to grant him the medal is, to him, a vindication of his loyalty and service. “He believes this will be his redemption,” one confidant said. “It’s Trump telling the world: Rudy matters.”
“From ‘America’s Mayor’ to Trump’s bulldog—Giuliani’s journey is unmatched. Now, he may get the top honor.”— @HistoryInMotion
Meanwhile, families of past medal recipients are voicing outrage. Relatives of civil rights leaders told NBC News that putting Giuliani in the same company as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks diminishes the award. “It’s disgraceful,” one family member said. “This isn’t about public service—it’s about Trump’s ego.” Their frustration underscores how deeply politicized even symbolic honors have become in America’s divided climate.
The broader public reaction has been equally polarized. Videos posted by @nexta_tv showed crowds of Trump supporters chanting Giuliani’s name at rallies, while protesters outside carried signs reading “No Medal for Lies.” On TikTok, clips of Giuliani during the September 11 crisis were contrasted with memes mocking his more recent controversies. The clash of images reflects the conflicting legacies of a man caught between history and scandal.
For Trump, the decision may also be strategic. Analysts told Politico that rewarding Giuliani could energize his most loyal base by reminding them of his fiercest defender during the 2020 election fight. “Trump is telling his people: loyalty will be honored,” one political scientist explained. “And he’s rewriting Giuliani’s story at the same time.” Whether voters outside his base see it as inspiration or absurdity may shape the political fallout.
As Giuliani awaits what could be the most controversial award in recent memory, his story is once again dominating headlines. From the ashes of 9/11 to the chaos of election disputes, from national hero to late-night punchline, he now stands on the brink of official recognition from the man whose battles consumed his final years. Whether history sees this as redemption or mockery, one thing is certain: Donald Trump has once again forced America to argue about loyalty, honor, and the meaning of greatness itself.