President Donald Trump posthumously awarded conservative activist Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a White House ceremony on Tuesday. The ceremony took place on what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday.
Kirk, co-founder of the youth conservative organization Turning Point USA, was fatally shot Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University during the first stop of his “American Comeback Tour.”
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In the weeks since, lawmakers in both chambers have passed a resolution designating Oct. 14 as a “National Day of Remembrance” in his honor.
What supporters are saying
Before the ceremony, Trump said the event would be “a great celebration at the White House.”
He described Kirk as “a friend.”
“Charlie was a good man,” said Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., “a devout husband, father, and friend.”
Kirk’s death prompted a national outpouring of grief among conservatives and tributes from Trump, who praised him as “a giant of his generation.”
Who Charlie Kirk was
Kirk rose to prominence after co-founding Turning Point USA, cultivating one of the largest youth conservative movements in the country and becoming a key voice within Trump’s political orbit.
Supporters hailed him as a patriot devoted to reshaping modern conservatism. Meanwhile, critics often pointed to his polarizing rhetoric on issues like gun laws, LGBTQ issues, and race. Tens of thousands attended his memorial service.
Unbiased. Straight Facts.TM
The “Medal of Freedom” was established by President Harry S. Truman in 1945 to honor civilian service during World War II.
About the award
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor, recognizing exceptional contributions to the United States, world peace or cultural achievement.
