Trump to Award Charlie Kirk Posthumous Medal of Freedom/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump announced that Charlie Kirk will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University. Trump praised Kirk as a champion of liberty and vowed a large ceremony in his honor.
Trump Honors Charlie Kirk With Presidential Medal of Freedom – Quick Looks
- Trump to posthumously award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Announcement made at a 9/11 Pentagon ceremony
- Trump called Kirk a “giant of his generation”
- Ceremony date to be announced; Trump promises a “very big crowd”
- Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at age 18
- Known for fiery campus debates, social media influence, and Trump loyalty
- Assassinated Sept. 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University debate event
- Shooter remains at large; high-powered rifle recovered
- Event drew roughly 3,000 attendees in Orem, Utah
- Medal of Freedom recipients include presidents, activists, athletes, and entertainers
Deep Look: Trump Awards Charlie Kirk Posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced Thursday that conservative activist Charlie Kirk will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, following Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University just a day earlier.
Speaking during a Pentagon ceremony commemorating the 24th anniversary of the September 11 attacks,
Trump described Kirk as “a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people.”
The President confirmed that the date of the medal ceremony would be released soon, adding: “I can only guarantee you one thing: we will have a very big crowd. Very, very big.”
A Tribute to Kirk’s Legacy
Kirk, 31, co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012, transforming it from a small grassroots initiative into one of the most influential conservative youth organizations in America. He became a frequent fixture on television, at campus debates, and across social media platforms, where his outspoken criticism of liberal institutions and staunch support for Trump galvanized young conservatives.
Known for his bold “Prove Me Wrong” debates, Kirk encouraged students to directly challenge his political and cultural views. He was participating in one such event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, when he was fatally shot on September 10, 2025.
Roughly 3,000 people attended the event. Witnesses say a single gunshot rang out during the Q&A session, striking Kirk as he sat under a tent. The gunman, believed to be of college age, fired from a rooftop before fleeing into a nearby neighborhood. Authorities later recovered a high-powered rifle but the suspect remains at large.
Trump: “Charlie’s Voice Will Live On”
Trump, visibly emotional at the Pentagon remembrance, said Kirk’s work would outlast his death.
“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,” the president said.
He added that in death, Kirk’s influence has become “bigger and grander than ever before.”
Remembered at the 9/11 Ceremony
Trump’s announcement was echoed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who also invoked Kirk’s memory during the 9/11 wreath-laying ceremony.
“The life example and even death of Christ follower, American patriot Charlie Kirk give me hope,” Hegseth said, addressing service members and families gathered for the solemn occasion.
He added a personal tribute: “Charlie, we love you. Know that you have heard the Lord’s words: Well done, good and faithful servant. Full heart, clear eyes.”
A Controversial but Influential Conservative Figure
Kirk’s rise to prominence was swift. At just 18 years old, he partnered with activist William Montgomery to establish Turning Point USA, focusing on limited government and free-market ideals on college campuses.
Initially dismissed as a fringe effort, the group gained momentum, particularly after the 2016 presidential election, when Kirk emerged as one of Trump’s fiercest defenders. He became an adviser to Donald Trump Jr. and played a significant role in shaping conservative student activism.
Critics labeled him provocative and polarizing, but supporters celebrated him as a fearless advocate who gave young conservatives a voice on campuses often dominated by liberal viewpoints.
National Reaction
The announcement of Kirk’s Medal of Freedom comes amid an outpouring of grief from political leaders and ordinary citizens. Vigils have been held across the country, with bipartisan condemnation of the violence.
Trump himself labeled Kirk’s assassination “a dark day for America” and criticized what he called a culture of political demonization.
“It’s long past time for all Americans and the media to confront the fact that violence and murder are the tragic consequence of demonizing those with whom you disagree,” Trump said.
The Medal of Freedom
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who have made “especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, or cultural or public endeavors.”
Past recipients include political leaders, human rights activists, athletes, entertainers, and innovators. Kirk will join this distinguished list, cementing his place as one of the most prominent conservative figures of his generation.
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