President Donald Trump announced Thursday that conservative commentator Charlie Kirk will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor — following his assassination at Utah Valley University.
The announcement came during Trump’s solemn remarks at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, where he paused to honor Kirk before addressing the day’s events.
“Before we begin, let me express the horror and grief so many Americans feel at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk,” Trump said. “Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people. Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children.”
Trump praised Kirk as a patriot whose influence on young Americans would be felt for generations. “Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people will live on,” he continued. “I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The date of the ceremony will be announced, and I can only guarantee you one thing: that we will have a very big crowd.”
.@POTUS: “I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.” pic.twitter.com/wqwKPHH9ua
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 11, 2025
Kirk, 31, was gunned down Wednesday during a campus Q&A session in Orem, Utah — part of his American Comeback Tour. Authorities said the conservative activist was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The shooter remains at large.
Earlier that day, President Trump ordered all U.S. flags lowered to half-staff in Kirk’s honor, calling him “a truly Great American Patriot.”
Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and quickly became one of the most prominent voices on the right, with a massive influence on college campuses and among young voters. His close alignment with Trump helped galvanize youth support during the 2024 election.
Vice President JD Vance posted a moving tribute, praising Kirk’s willingness to engage in good-faith political debate — even in hostile environments.
“He would go into these crowds and answer their questions,” Vance wrote. “If it was a friendly crowd, and a progressive asked a question to jeers from the audience, he’d encourage his fans to calm down and let everyone speak. He exemplified a foundational virtue of our Republic: the willingness to speak openly and debate ideas.”
A while ago, probably in 2017, I appeared on Tucker Carlson’s Fox show to talk about God knows what. Afterwards a name I barely knew sent me a DM on twitter and told me I did a great job. It was Charlie Kirk, and that moment of kindness began a friendship that lasted until today.…
— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 11, 2025
Kirk is survived by his wife Erika and their two young children.
Read More: New York Yankees Honor Charlie Kirk With Moment Of Silence
The post Trump To Award Charlie Kirk The Presidential Medal Of Freedom appeared first on Real News Now.
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