Trump Announces Presidential Medal of Freedom for Charlie Kirk
The assassin’s bullet that ended Charlie Kirk’s life on Wednesday cannot erase his legacy.
At the White House on Thursday, President Donald J. Trump announced that Kirk will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The ceremony date will be announced in the coming days.
.@POTUS: "I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom." pic.twitter.com/wqwKPHH9ua
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 11, 2025
The President made the announcement during a solemn ceremony marking nearly 25 years since the September 11th attacks, pausing to honor the 31-year-old conservative leader whose influence shaped a generation.
“Before we begin, let me express the horror and grief of so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk,” Trump said.
“Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people … We miss him greatly, yet I have no doubt that Charlie’s voice and the courage that he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
Kirk, a husband and father of two, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University while speaking at a Turning Point USA event. The assassin remains at large as law enforcement conducts a nationwide manhunt.
While Democrats have offered muted or, in some cases, dismissive responses to the killing, conservatives have rallied behind Trump’s decision, underscoring the immense admiration for the man who founded Turning Point USA and built it into one of the most influential conservative youth movements in America.
President Trump did not reveal specific details of the upcoming Medal of Freedom ceremony but promised it would reflect the scale of Kirk’s impact.
Charlie Kirk was a good and faithful servant. Thank you, Mr. President! 💔
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) September 11, 2025
Thank you, Mr. President! Simply no one more worthy. This American mama is still crying today and ever more worried for my precious teenagers. This will leave a mark on their soul, but we will live all of our days in honor of Charlie.
— Heather (@USAMamaHeather1) September 11, 2025
Thank you, Mr. President! Simply no one more worthy. This American mama is still crying today and ever more worried for my precious teenagers. This will leave a mark on their soul, but we will live all of our days in honor of Charlie.
— Heather (@USAMamaHeather1) September 11, 2025
“The date of the ceremony will be announced and I can only guarantee you one thing,” he said. “That we will have a very big crowd.”
For many on the right, the posthumous award is not only a fitting tribute to Charlie Kirk’s legacy but also a declaration that his fight for liberty, faith, and the Constitution will not die with him.