Charlie Kirk Posthumously Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom at White House Ceremony
- Richard Sykes
- Oct 15
- 2 min read
Washington, D.C.—October 14, 2025—In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony held in the White House Rose Garden, President Donald Trump posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk, the late conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA. The event coincided with what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday and marked the newly proclaimed National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.1 2
Kirk was assassinated on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University during his “American Comeback Tour,” a tragedy that sent shockwaves through the conservative movement and reignited national debates over political violence.3
President Trump, returning from a diplomatic trip to the Middle East, praised Kirk as “a fearless warrior for liberty” and “a visionary and one of the greatest figures of his generation.” He emphasized Kirk’s role in galvanizing young conservatives and credited him with helping secure a larger share of the youth vote in the 2024 election.1 4
Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow and the newly appointed CEO of Turning Point USA, accepted the medal on his behalf. Fighting back tears, she thanked the president and spoke of her husband’s unwavering faith and commitment to service. “He would have run for president,” she said, “not out of ambition, but because he believed his country needed him”.5 6
The ceremony drew prominent conservative figures including Tucker Carlson and Javier Milei, and featured a viral moment when video footage revealed a Christian cross engraved on Kirk’s medal—an apparent first for the Presidential Medal of Freedom.7 8
Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), who sponsored the Senate resolution establishing the remembrance day, stated, “Charlie’s legacy lives on.” The resolution passed both chambers of Congress in September.2
As the nation continues to grapple with the implications of Kirk’s death, his name now joins the “eternal roster of true American heroes,” as President Trump declared. The ceremony served not only as a tribute to Kirk’s life but also as a rallying cry for those who champion his ideals of faith, freedom, and civic engagement.
References
1Celebrations held at White House and Utah Capitol for Charlie Kirk on what would have been his 32nd birthday. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/president-trump-awards-charlie-kirk-presidential-medal-of-freedom/ar-AA1Ot6I8
2Erika Kirk to join Trump at White House for Charlie Kirk remembrance day and medal ceremony. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/erika-kirk-to-join-trump-at-white-house-for-charlie-kirk-remembrance-day-and-medal-ceremony/ar-AA1OqXQc
3Charlie Kirk posthumously awarded Medal of Freedom on what would have been his 32nd birthday. https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/general/charlie-kirk-posthumously-awarded-medal-of-freedom-on-what-would-have-been-his-32nd-birthday/ar-AA1OsMty
4Trump awards Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-awards-charlie-kirk-presidential-medal-of-freedom/
5Charlie Kirk would have run for president, widow says at White House. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/charlie-kirk-would-have-run-for-president-widow-says-at-white-house/ar-AA1OtAhe
6WATCH: Trump awards Charlie Kirk posthumous Presidential Medal of .... https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-trump-awards-charlie-kirk-posthumous-presidential-medal-of-freedom
7Is a Christian Cross engraved on Charlie Kirk's Medal of Freedom? Video goes viral. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/world/is-a-christian-cross-engraved-on-charlie-kirk-s-medal-of-freedom-video-goes-viral/ar-AA1Ou2Wy
8Charlie Kirk gets a hero's treatment at White House ceremony. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/14/charlie-kirk-posthumous-presidential-medal-of-freedom-white-house-00608608
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