Trump Will Award Charlie Kirk the Medal of Freedom

President will give the posthumous honor to 'a giant of his generation'
Posted Sep 11, 2025 9:46 AM CDT
Trump Will Award Charlie Kirk the Medal of Freedom
The American flag on the North Lawn at the White House in Washington is lowered to half-staff after Charlie Kirk was killed at an event in Orem, Utah, on Wednesday.   (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

President Trump announced on Thursday that he'll posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, report USA Today and the Los Angeles Times. Speaking at a Pentagon event honoring the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Trump called the Turning Point USA founder "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 Erica, and his beautiful children." He added, per NBC News: "We miss him greatly, yet I have no doubt that Charlie's voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on."

The BBC notes that defense chief Pete Hegseth spoke at the same event and also paid tribute to Kirk, saying, "The life, example, and even death of Christ follower and American patriot Charlie Kirk give me hope," Hegseth said. "Sheer courage, no matter the arena. ... Like those on 9/11, he will never be forgotten."

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