Status: 01/23/2022 11:04 a.m
The University of Rhode Island revokes honorary doctorates from former Trump advisers Flynn and Giuliani. The allegations: lies and incitement to terrorist behavior.
Two former top advisers to former US President Donald Trump have lost their honorary doctorates. The University of Rhode Island decided on Friday to reclaim the titles of Trump’s former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and Trump’s attorney Rudy Giuliani.
The University Board of Directors has come to the conclusion that the two no longer share the same values and norms as they did when they were awarded the title, the University President said in an opinion.
Lying and inciting violence
The allegations weigh heavily: Flynn lied to the FBI and suggested that the United States needed a military coup. Giuliani alleged without evidence that the 2020 election was rigged and that his words incited terrorist behavior that led to the Jan. 6, 2021 storming of the Capitol, the university said.
Both had received their honorary doctorates before Trump became president in 2017. In 2003, Giuliani received the title for leadership as mayor of New York following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Flynn was awarded an honorary doctorate in 2014.