President Donald Trump is set to posthumously award conservative activist Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Tuesday, the nation’s highest civilian honor.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University during the opening event of his American Comeback Tour, which encouraged students to debate controversial political issues.
Trump first announced Kirk’s death that evening, calling him “a giant of his generation,” and later confirmed that he would receive the Medal of Freedom. The ceremony comes just hours after Trump’s return from the Middle East, where he attended celebrations marking a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
Tuesday also marks what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday. Both chambers of Congress passed a resolution designating Oct. 14 as a “National Day of Remembrance” in his honor.
Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom
“Charlie was a friend of mine, a friend of all of us,” Trump said last week. “It’s the greatest honor. His wonderful wife, Erika, will be here, along with so many who loved him.”
At a massive memorial service in Arizona, attended by tens of thousands, Trump shared an emotional embrace with Erika Kirk after his closing remarks. Erika said she had forgiven her husband’s killer, a statement that drew widespread attention.
Kirk played a central role in energizing Trump’s political movement, particularly among young conservatives. Though celebrated by the right, he often faced backlash for his outspoken views on gun rights, race, and LGBTQ issues.
During his tribute, Trump called Kirk a “martyr” and praised his enduring influence. “None of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk, and neither will history,” Trump said. “His voice will echo through generations, and his name will live forever among America’s greatest patriots” Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
