BREAKING: Trump posthumously awards 'the late, great' Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Donald Trump on Tuesday posthumously awarded Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Kirk was assassinated on September 10 while at an outdoor campus event at Utah Valley University. October 14, the day of the ceremony at the White House, marked what would have been Kirk's 32nd birthday. Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika, accepted the award on his behalf.

 

"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, and an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest caliber, the late, great Charlie Kirk," Trump said.

Trump said Kirk was "assassinated in the prime of his life for boldly speaking the truth, for living his faith, and relentlessly fighting for a better and stronger America. He loved this country, and that’s why this afternoon, it’s my privilege to posthumously award Charles James Kirk our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom."

Trump called Kirk a "visionary and one of the greatest figures of his generation," and praised Kirk’s efforts among youth in the nation, with "ultimately touched the lives of millions and millions of people and so many young people."

"He forged a personal bond with countless young conservatives. He fought for free speech, religious liberty, strong borders, and a very strong and proud America. In everything he did, he put America first. He really put America first. And ultimately, Charlie became more than a leader of an important organization, he became the leader of historic movements all over the country." 

Kirk was a "martyr for truth and for freedom," Trump said, noting other famed figures who were assassinated such as Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. "Those who change history the most, and he really did, have always risked their lives for causes they were put on Earth to defend. He was put on Earth to do exactly what he was doing."

He later added, "Charlie’s voice, his message, and his legacy are stronger and greater than ever before. They are greater than ever before. Look, this is a horrible event, but it brought out the greatness of Charlie."

The citation for the award stated, "Charlie Kirk was one of the most influential American political figures of his generation. Just 18 years old, he founded Turning Point USA and grew it into the largest conservative youth organization in the nation. For over a decade, he tirelessly traveled the country, leading a movement to restore respect for our founding principles, reawaken our national identity, and inspire a renewed spirit of religious devotion."

"He was one of the great debaters and communicators of his time. Despite receiving repeated threats, he remained undeterred and modeled courage, logic, humor, and grace to the next generation. On September 10, 2025, at age 31, Charlie Kirk was assassinated while addressing a group of students. The United States honors him of a martyr for truth and freedom."

Entering the ceremony, Trump was joined by Kirk's widow, Erika. During his speech, Trump told Erika Kirk, "[Charlie Kirk] was deeply in love with you. It’s great. Erika, your love and ourage have been an inspiration to all of us, and we will always be here for you, and we’re always going to be here for your gorgeous, beautiful children, and we’ll never forget what your family has sacrificed for our country."

The morning after the shooting, Trump announced his plans to award the honor. "Before we begin, let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk have felt. 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. Fantastic people they are. 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."

"I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom," he added at the time. One week after the shooting, the Senate voted unanimously to designate October 14, 2025 as the "National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk."

The suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested in the days after the shooting. Messages were found engraved into bullet casings found at the scene. On an unfired bullet, a message stated, "Notices bulge OWO what's this?" The message is linked to memes in furry subcultures. Robinson also reportedly played explicit games such as "Furry Shades of Gay," and followed artists who drew explicit and disturbing cartoons. On the fired casings, messages included "Hey, fascist! Catch," and "Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao, ciao, ciao," a song that is linked to Antifa themes.
 

Robinson lived with a trans-identified male partner, Lance Twiggs, to whom Robinson confessed to in text messages that he carried out the shooting. Police revealed that Twiggs received a text message from Robinson telling him to look under Robinson’s keyboard. A handwritten note was found, stating, "I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it."

Robinson wrote in a series of text messages, "I am, I’m sorry," and "I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can’t be negotiated out."

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