Rudy Giuliani to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom, Trump says

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani is set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, according to President Donald Trump. Giuliani, a longtime ally of Trump, has been praised for his leadership during the 9/11 attacks in 2001. However, his recent involvement in Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election has been controversial. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made "exceptionally meritorious contributions" to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. While Giuliani's role in the aftermath of 9/11 has been widely recognized, his actions in the aftermath of the 2020 election have drawn criticism from those who argue that they undermined democratic institutions. The decision to award him the prestigious honor has been met with mixed reactions.