TRUMP HONORS CHARLIE KIRK WITH PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM ON WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN HIS 32ND BIRTHDAY
Trump Honors Charlie Kirk with Presidential Medal of Freedom on What Would Have Been His 32nd Birthday
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to Charlie Kirk. Kirk was a conservative activist whose impact shaped a generation of young right-wing Americans and influenced national politics.
Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, accepted the award. She became emotional as she reflected on her late husband’s life, beliefs, and lasting legacy.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for honoring my husband in such a profound way,” she said, holding back tears. “Your support for our family and the work Charlie dedicated his life to will be something I cherish forever.”
The ceremony took place on what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday. It happened about a month after the Turning Point USA founder was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Kirk was a close ally of the Trump administration. He became the first recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom during Trump’s second term. The president, who also spoke at Kirk’s funeral in September, called him a “great American hero” and a “martyr for freedom.” Vice President JD Vance accompanied Kirk’s body back to Arizona on Air Force Two with Erika Kirk.
“We’re here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, a beloved leader who inspired the next generation like no one I’ve ever seen before,” Trump said at the ceremony. “He was killed in the prime of his life for bravely speaking the truth, living his faith, and fighting for a stronger America.”
President John F. Kennedy created the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation’s security, peace, culture, or public service.
Trump returned to Washington early Tuesday after a visit to Israel and Egypt to acknowledge a ceasefire agreement in the Israel-Hamas conflict. He joked about almost postponing the event due to his travel schedule but chose not to when he remembered the importance of the date.
“I rushed back halfway around the world,” Trump said. “I almost called Erika to move it to Friday — but then I realized today was Charlie’s birthday.”
Argentine President Javier Milei, who met with Trump earlier at the White House, stayed to attend the ceremony.
During his time in office, Trump has awarded the Medal of Freedom to several notable people, including golf champion Tiger Woods, football coach Lou Holtz, economist Arthur Laffer, Yankees legend Mariano Rivera, and conservative broadcaster Rush Limbaugh. Icons like Babe Ruth and Elvis Presley have also received posthumous honors.
In his current term, Trump plans to award the medal to Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor and longtime adviser, and Ben Carson, his first-term Housing and Urban Development secretary.
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