President Donald Trump will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom today to the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, commemorating what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday. The White House ceremony honors Kirk’s “efforts in advancing conservative ideals, faith, and national pride,” according to those close to him.
Kirk, the co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10 while speaking with students at Utah Valley University. The attack, which killed him instantly, prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders and supporters who vowed to continue his mission.
In a statement last month, Trump called Kirk “a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people.” He added, “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.”
Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of The Charlie Kirk Show, told Fox News that the timing of the honor was deeply meaningful. “Although he was taken from us far too soon, his legacy will inspire generations to come and outlive us all,” Kolvet remarked. “He represents the very best of America and is deserving of this and every other possible accolade. Thank you to President Trump for quite literally shifting world events to honor Charlie on what would have been his 32nd birthday.” He added, “Only Charlie could do that.”
TPUSA chief operating officer Tyler Bowyer underscored the movement-wide significance of the award. “Charlie will be honored today on behalf of the millions of conservative activists he helped lift up to save the movement and the country,” Bowyer said. “Today in the White House this award will be felt by every young man and young woman who was impacted by his work. They can wear it too by carrying on doing the work.”
Religious leaders who worked closely with Kirk emphasized his fusion of faith and civic purpose. David Engelhardt, lead pastor at Kings’ Church New York City and a TPUSA board member, described it as a “profound privilege to be able to witness this moment recognizing Charlie’s courage, conviction and leadership in defense of faith and freedom.” He added, “Charlie is the right recipient to the Medal of Freedom because he believed that God’s moral order found in faith is not a limit to freedom but the soil it grows in.” Engelhardt warned, “People who destroy that soil in the name of safe-spaces and to protect against ‘dangerous ideas’ will soon find their land barren. Charlie stood for freedom rightly ordered and founded in the gravity of God’s system.”
Today’s 4 p.m. EDT ceremony follows Trump’s return from the Middle East, where he announced the end of the Gaza conflict that began in 2023. The Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award, recognizes exceptional contributions to American society, security, or interests.
Memorial services for Kirk have drawn large crowds, including one in Arizona attended by Trump and Erika Kirk. Attendees waved American flags and pledged to advance the causes Kirk championed. TPUSA has since launched new merchandise honoring his legacy, while its campus network reports a surge of renewed enthusiasm among young activists inspired by his life and work.
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