President Donald Trump announced on September 1 that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Giuliani, who served as Trump’s personal lawyer during legal battles over the 2020 election results, has long been one of the president’s closest allies.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “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, our Country’s highest civilian honor.” The president said further details on the award ceremony will be announced later. The Medal of Freedom is usually presented during formal events at the White House.
The announcement came just two days after Giuliani suffered serious injuries in a car crash in New Hampshire. According to his head of security, Giuliani’s vehicle was “hit from behind at high speed” while driving on a highway.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom has been awarded by the US president, ever since President John F. Kennedy established it by Executive Order on February 22, 1963. The medal recognizes those who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."
In this gallery, we look at some of the famous personalities who have been presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Click through and get to know them.