President Donald Trump said on Thursday he would posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, to conservative activist and close friend Charlie Kirk. The announcement came at a ceremony at the Pentagon marking the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Trump will AWARD Charlie Kirk posthumously with Medal of Freedom
‘I have no doubt the COURAGE that he instilled in people will LIVE on’ https://t.co/o8FFGatYV6 pic.twitter.com/tQjhOMHHd9
— RT (@RT_com) September 11, 2025
A Tribute To A ‘Giant’ Of His Generation
In his comments, President Trump lauded Kirk, describing the 31-year-old as a “giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people.” He went on to say that he had no doubt that “Charlie’s voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on.”
The news came as federal and local officials were giving reports on the investigation into the assassination of Kirk. The FBI reported it has “images of the suspect” and has obtained a “high-powered rifle” that they suspect was used to kill him.
A Longtime Trump Ally
Kirk, a well-known podcaster and self-labeled “culture warrior,” was gunned down from a rooftop a block away on Wednesday as he addressed a Turning Point USA rally at Utah Valley University. A leader of the “Make America Great Again” effort, Kirk spearheaded efforts to promote voter turnout among Republican base voters.
Following the shooting, Kirk was taken to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was declared dead. President Trump immediately shared an obituary on social media, referring to him as being “Great, and even Legendary,” and a “martyr for truth and freedom.” The Vice President, J.D. Vance, has also made a trip to Utah to sit with Kirk’s family.
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