President Trump posthumously awarded Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Tuesday, which would have been the Turning Point USA co-founder's 32nd birthday.
Why it matters: One of the most significant right-wing media figures was granted the nation's highest civilian honor.
What they're saying: "Today we're here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody I've ever seen before," Trump said during the ceremony.
- "And an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest caliber, the late, great Charlie Kirk."
The latest: Shortly after the event, Trump proclaimed Oct. 14 a national day of remembrance for Kirk.
Zoom in: Erika Kirk, the conservative activist's widow and the new CEO of Turning Point USA, accepted the medal on his behalf.
- "Now I can say with confidence, Mr. President, that you have given him the best birthday gift he could ever have," she said to Trump.
- "Your support of our family and the work that Charlie devoted his life to will be something I cherish forever," Kirk said.
- "To the Turning Point USA chapters that are watching all across America right now, you are the heartbeat of this future," Kirk said. "You are living proof that his mission did not die with him."
Driving the news: Kirk was fatally shot Sept. 10 at a Turning Point event at Utah Valley University.
- Trump said during a 9/11 memorial ceremony that he'd honor Kirk with the award. He predicted there would be a "very big crowd" for the ceremony.
Of note: Trump on Tuesday said Turning Point USA became a bigger movement in the weeks after Kirk's killing than the co-founder would have imagined.
- "Charlie worked on my presidential campaign in 2016, and he was there right from the beginning," Trump said. "He liked me, I don't know, I have no idea why. What the hell was he thinking?"
- "He is going to make heaven," Trump said. "I said 'I'm not sure I could make it,' but he's ... looking down on us right now."
State of play: Kirk's killing came at a time of escalated political tension in the U.S. and has exacerbated partisan rifts.
- Kirk was instrumental in rallying young conservative Trump supporters.
- Congress passed a resolution to designate Oct. 14, Kirk's birthday, as a national day of remembrance.
Flashback: During his first term, Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to other conservative media figures.
- He honored Rush Limbaugh in 2020 and Roger Penske in 2019.
More from Axios:
- What to know about Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA
- Trump proclaims Oct. 14 national day of remembrance for Charlie Kirk
- Trump administration revokes 6 visas over comments about Charlie Kirk
Editor's note: This article has been updated with additional details throughout.
