President Donald Trump has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to slain activist Charlie Kirk, a prominent voice in the conservative movement before his assassination last month.
Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot on September 10 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University, a killing that shocked the nation and reignited debates over political violence.
"Today we're here to honour and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, beloved leader who galvanised the next generation like nobody I've ever seen before," Trump said in a Rose Garden event.
In a sign of Kirk's close ties to the administration, he was the first recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in Trump’s second term. The president also spoke at Kirk’s funeral in September, calling him a “great American hero” and “martyr” for freedom, while Vice President JD Vance accompanied his body home to Arizona on Air Force Two along with Erika Kirk.
Receiving the award on Kirk's behalf was his widow, Erika. Her voice cracking and often falling to a whisper as she wiped away tears, Erika Kirk talked about her late husband's life, political beliefs and legacy.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for honouring my husband, in such a profound and meaningful way. And thank you for making this event a priority," she said. “Your support of our family and the work that Charlie devoted his life to will be something I cherish forever.”
Kirk's assassination has become a rallying point for the Republican president, who has used it to energise his base and push for sweeping measures by the state against what he has described as "radical left extremism".
Erika Kirk wipes her eyes as a military aide reads the citation before President Donald Trump posthumously awards the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk. - AP
The Trump administration has launched a broad crackdown on left-wing organisations, deploying multiple federal agencies, including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and IRS, to investigate and disrupt groups accused of funding and organising political violence.
At the same time, Trump has downplayed violence from right-wing groups, insisting political violence is primarily a problem rooted in the left. Experts say political violence is bipartisan.
Officials have found no evidence that the suspect in Kirk's shooting acted in concert with any group.
The ceremony drew a mix of top Republican lawmakers, media personalities and Trump allies, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Senators Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, and Rick Scott, as well as House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson.
A key figure in conservative politics, Kirk mobilised young voters for Trump's 2024 campaign. His influence was significant but divisive. Supporters hailed him as a champion of free speech, while critics argue he helped mainstream extremist views.
Since his death, Trump has called Kirk a "martyr for American freedom" and vowed at his memorial service to carry on his work. In September, both the US House of Representatives and Senate approved resolutions declaring October 14 a "National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk."
Trump also signed a proclamation on Tuesday declaring October 14, 2025 — on what would have been Kirk's 32nd birthday — as a "National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk".