On the 20th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Donald Trump took his focus off continuing to argue the validity of the 2020 election and instead chose to praise Rudy Giuliani for his efforts as New York City mayor. Giuliani was dubbed “America’s mayor” in the aftermath of the attacks when two planes flew into the World Trade Center Twin Towers, killing almost 3,000 Americans, per CNN. Trump released a statement on September 11, calling Giuliani the “greatest Mayor in the history of New York City.”
According to Yahoo News’ Colin Campbell, Trump credited Giuliani for coordinating an organized response team at the site, for creating citywide anti-terrorist measures, and for restoring the infrastructure following the devastating attacks. “Congratulations to Rudy Giuliani (for the 20th time!), the greatest Mayor in the history of New York City, for having shown such leadership and doing such an incredible job during and after the attack on our Nation!” read Trump’s statement.
Despite Trump’s kind gesture, things don’t seem too amicable between the New York native and Giuliani. Not only was the former mayor suspended from practicing law in New York and Washington, D.C. in July, per NPR, but Dominion Voting Systems — which was used during the 2020 presidential election — is suing Giuliani for $1.3 billion after he pushed Trump’s claims the machines were rigged. However, The Guardian reported Trump refuses to help out with his pal’s legal bills.