Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor, was hospitalized following a car collision in New Hampshire on Saturday night. The 81-year-old politician is perhaps best known for his hands-on leadership in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Recent legal challenges have cast a shadow over those earlier accomplishments.
Giuliani was a central figure in the effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. He most recently was personal attorney to Donald Trump. Courts time and again rejected his allegations of rampant election fraud as baseless. Consequently, he was disbarred in both NY and Washington D.C. In addition to the above, he has been criminally indicted in Georgia and Arizona for his efforts to subvert Joe Biden’s victory.
In a shocking last-minute move, Trump announced that he planned to present Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This famed accolade is the country’s highest civilian award. This medal is limited to those whose contributions are in great service of the national interest or public achievement.
“the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot” – Donald Trump [“truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/115130857021044948” – source]
Giuliani has received more than a quarter of a million dollars in blowback for his role in spreading the deadly conspiracy that the election was stolen. This provoked death threats against election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. Both women testified that they lived in terror because of the threats that were fueled by Giuliani’s false accusations.
The consequences of Giuliani’s policies are more far-reaching than the threat to individual safety. Two former Georgia election workers just won an incredible $148 million in a defamation judgment against him. This ruling would introduce further legal complexity to his already volatile legal landscape.
Unsurprisingly, Giuliani’s legal troubles hampered his campaign to win the Republican presidential nomination. Sadly, despite his best efforts, his campaign never found its footing. His legacy, once marked by commendation for his leadership during crisis moments, is now marred by ongoing scandals and legal battles.
As Giuliani continues to navigate these challenges, Trump’s announcement of the Medal of Freedom reflects a complicated relationship between the former mayor and the former president. Those opposed to honoring Giuliani view this honor as a testament to Giuliani’s past failures. Some others have interpreted it as an endorsement of his controversial actions during the chaotic post-election period.