President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot in Utah the previous day. The declaration came as Trump delivered remarks at the Pentagon to mark the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
“Before we begin, let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk have felt. Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump said at the outset of his address.
“Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children — fantastic people they are,” he added. “We miss him greatly, yet 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 the ceremony’s date has not yet been determined, but he promised it would draw significant attention. “I can only guarantee you one thing: We will have a very big crowd, very, very big,” Trump remarked.
Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended the September 11 observance in the Pentagon courtyard before returning to Washington. Speaking to reporters on the way back to the White House, Trump said he planned to connect with Kirk’s family later in the day. Vice President JD Vance and his wife traveled to Utah that afternoon to comfort the relatives in person.
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA, the youth-oriented conservative organization that operates across more than 3,000 secondary schools and college campuses. The group’s events often draw high-profile Republican leaders, including Trump himself, who has appeared at multiple gatherings both during his campaigns and his presidency.
