US President Donald Trump on Tuesday awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was killed last month while speaking at Utah Valley University. The event coincided with what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday and recognized his role in shaping a generation of young conservatives and influencing the nation’s politics. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot dead while addressing students. Trump, who had attended Kirk’s funeral in September and described him as a “great American hero” and “martyr” for freedom, was present at the ceremony along with vice president JD Vance, who had escorted Kirk’s widow Erika and his body return to Arizona on Air Force Two.“We’re here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody I’ve ever seen before, and an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest calibre.” He also said that Kirk had been assassinated for speaking the truth, living his faith, and fighting for a stronger America.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, established in 1963 by John F Kennedy, recognizes individuals who make exceptional contributions to the nation’s security, cultural endeavors, or public and private initiatives. Trump has previously awarded the medal to figures including Tiger Woods, Lou Holtz, Arthur Laffer, Mariano Rivera, Rush Limbaugh, and posthumously to Babe Ruth and Elvis Presley. Tuesday’s ceremony followed Trump’s return from a diplomatic trip to Israel and Egypt, where he helped mark a ceasefire in Gaza. The event was moved to the Rose Garden to accommodate a large crowd. Argentine President Javier Milei, who had visited the White House earlier, also attended.
