WATCH: Trump posthumously honors Charlie Kirk with Presidential Medal of Freedom
The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor, was awarded posthumously to Charlie Kirk on what would’ve been his 32nd birthday Tuesday.
President Donald Trump presented the award to Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, during an emotional ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House on Tuesday.
“Today, we’re here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, a beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody ever seen before, and an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest caliber,” said the president.
The president also signed a proclamation declaring Oct. 14, 2025, as a National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.
Kirk, a conservative activist who was assassinated during a campus event in Utah last month, was described as a “Christian martyr” and “a titan of the American conservative movement” in the proclamation.
During the ceremony, the president credited Kirk for his influence in helping Trump win the election.
In his speech and in the proclamation, the president vowed to root out political violence, saying his administration is dedicated to dismantling groups supporting the violence.
Erika Kirk, who tearfully spoke during the ceremony, shared some personal memories of her late husband, including his love for mint chocolate chip ice cream and his love for books.
She thanked the president for rushing back from the Middle East to host the event. Trump returned to the White House in the early morning hours following a whirlwind trip Monday to Israel and Egypt.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for honoring my husband in such a profound and meaningful way,” said Kirk. “And thank you for making this event a priority amid the peace process in the Middle East.”
Kirk told the president and attendees that the award is the best birthday present her late husband could’ve been given.
“President Trump, I have spent seven and a half years trying to find the perfect birthday gift for Charlie, and it’s so difficult,” she said. “And those of you that have spouses or loved ones, you know how difficult it is sometimes to buy a gift for someone that you love… But now I can say with confidence, Mr. President, that you have given him the best birthday gift he could ever have.”
In addition to the president, the event was attended by the vice president and the second lady, several cabinet members and congressional members, as well as a who’s who of conservative journalists and influencers.
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
U.S. military jet goes down over Iraq; incident not attributed to hostile fire
Casey-Westfield Explodes for 12 Runs in Third Inning, Downs Neoga 17-5
Pritzker: ‘God was looking out for people’ in storm-damaged Kankakee County
Illinois Quick Hits: Correctional officer charged with sexual misconduct
Costco faces lawsuit as consumers seek refunds from invalid tariffs
Insurer won’t back Gori defense vs asbestos lawsuit fraud claims
With teachers union support, committee approves charter school mandates
Allstate can’t delete class action over alleged secret app tracking
Chicago voters view housing affordability as bigger issue than crime
New Illinois gun bill aims at glock switches; critics say it misses the real problem
Illinois quick hits: Cook County spends nearly $20 million on food, housing services; Chicago Teachers Union tells teachers, students to skip school; Russell Dickerson to play Du Quoin State Fair
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey-Westfield School Board for Feb. 23, 2026
