Rudy Giuliani education and career: How this NYU Law graduate became 'America's Mayor' and Trump's top ally, and now a Medal of Freedom recipient

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani is set to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from US President Donald Trump, days after surviving a serious car crash in New Hampshire.

Giuliani, 81, sustained spinal and limb injuries when the vehicle he was in was rear-ended. He is currently recovering in hospital, according to state police.The decision was announced by President Trump on social media, where he described Giuliani as the “greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, and an equally great American Patriot.” The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honour in the US, typically awarded for contributions to national security, peace, and public service.Early life and educationRudolph William Louis Giuliani was born in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, a private Catholic school in Brooklyn. He later enrolled at Manhattan College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) in political science in 1965.Giuliani pursued a legal career by attending the New York University School of Law (NYU Law), where he received his Juris Doctor (J.D.)

degree in 1968. NYU Law is one of the top-ranked law schools in the United States, and his education there laid the foundation for a long career in the legal and political spheres.Entry into legal serviceIn 1970, Giuliani began working for the US government, initially serving in the US Attorney's Office and the Department of Justice. Between 1977 and 1981, he worked in private legal practice before returning to public service as Associate Attorney General in 1981.In 1983, he was appointed US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where he led several high-profile prosecutions related to organised crime, political corruption, and corporate fraud.Political career and mayoral tenureGiuliani entered politics with the Republican Party, narrowly losing his first mayoral race in 1989. He won election as Mayor of New York City in 1993, becoming the first Republican to hold the office in two decades.

His administration focused on reducing crime, reforming the city's finances, and enforcing public order laws.He adopted a zero-tolerance approach to minor offences, contributing to a city-wide decrease in crime rates. However, his tenure also drew criticism for incidents involving police misconduct and cultural disputes, including a legal battle with the Brooklyn Museum of Art over a controversial exhibition.Despite controversies, he maintained high approval ratings. Although there was speculation that he would run for the US Senate in 2000, he withdrew due to a prostate cancer diagnosis and personal matters.National prominence after September 11 attacksGiuliani gained widespread attention for his leadership following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York City. He received an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for his role during the crisis.

Term limits prevented him from running for a third term as mayor.Continued public role and alliance with TrumpGiuliani published a book titled Leadership in 2002 and ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, ultimately withdrawing after the Florida primary.He later became a close political ally of Donald Trump, serving as an adviser and personal attorney. He joined Trump's legal team during the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election and led post-election efforts to challenge the results of the 2020 election. Giuliani was subsequently disbarred in New York and Washington, and he faces criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona.