It’s with a heavy heart that we bring you some somber news today. President Donald Trump has announced that he will posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The news comes after Kirk’s assassination in Utah on Wednesday.
Trump announced during his remarks at the Pentagon while commemorating the 9/11 attacks, per NBC. He started his speech by saying, “Before we begin, let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk have felt.” He went on to describe Kirk as “a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people”.
Trump also extended his prayers to Kirk’s wife and children, saying, “Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children—fantastic people they are”. He added, “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”.
Charlie Kirk will receive an honor after his death
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, given to individuals who have made “an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.” The Medal of Freedom is a huge deal, and it is ultimately up to the president to decide who gets it (and who he immediately blames without evidence in this case).
Kirk, who was only 31 at the time of his assassination, was a major force in conservative circles. He was the co-founder of Turning Point USA, a group that works to mobilize young conservatives on high school and college campuses. The organization’s website says it has a presence on more than 3,000 campuses nationwide and often hosts events that attract popular conservative politicians looking to connect with a younger audience.
— SANTINO (@MichaelSCollura) September 11, 2025
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"I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom." pic.twitter.com/jP8O88Qlru
Trump himself has spoken at Turning Point USA events on multiple occasions, both while campaigning and during his presidency. Beyond his work with Turning Point USA, Kirk was a well-known figure in conservative media. He hosted his own podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, and authored several books. He was also a close ally of President Trump and many others in his circle. He had a significant role in urging Trump to select JD Vance as his running mate.
Kirk also spoke at Trump’s presidential nominating conventions in both 2020 and 2024, the latter of which took place just a few days after an assassination attempt on Trump himself. President Trump first broke the news of Kirk’s death on his own social media site. Kirk’s death has had a deep impact on many White House officials, as well as the conservative politicians and personalities who knew him and have publicly and privately mourned his loss.
While a date for the posthumous ceremony has not been set yet, Trump said, “I can only guarantee you one thing: We will have a very big crowd, very, very big.” After his speech, Trump told reporters that he intended to speak with Kirk’s family later that day. Vice President JD Vance and his wife are also traveling to Utah today to meet with Kirk’s family.
