‘A Giant Of His Generation’: Trump To Award Charlie Kirk The Presidential Medal Of Freedom

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he will hold a ceremony honoring conservative commentator Charlie Kirk and will posthumously award him the Presidential Medal of Freedom following Kirk’s assassination at an event in Utah.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian honor in the United States. Trump made the announcement after paying tribute to Kirk during his remarks at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.

“Before we begin, let me express the horror and grief so many Americans at the heinous assassination of Charlie Kirk have felt,” Trump said. “Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people. Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children.”

“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 continued, adding, “I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The date of the ceremony will be announced, and I can only guarantee you one thing: that we will have a very big crowd.”

.@POTUS: “I am pleased to announce that I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk, posthumously, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.” pic.twitter.com/wqwKPHH9ua

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 11, 2025

The president also ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff on Wednesday to honor Kirk, whom he called “a truly Great American Patriot.”

Kirk, who was instrumental in ginning up support for Trump among young Americans in the 2024 election, was assassinated during one of his signature question-and-answer sessions with college students at Utah Valley University. Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18, and the organization quickly became one of the most influential conservative advocacy groups in the country.

The conservative commentator was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead “hours later,” according to authorities. The suspected assassin is still on the loose, and a manhunt is underway.

Kirk was remembered by his many friends, including several Trump administration officials, for his faith, patriotism, and love for his family. Vice President JD Vance posted a lengthy tribute to Kirk on Wednesday night, praising Kirk’s ability to respectfully discuss political and religious issues with anyone.

“He would go into these hostile crowds and answer their questions,” Vance wrote. “If it was a friendly crowd, and a progressive asked a question to jeers from the audience, he’d encourage his fans to calm down and let everyone speak. He exemplified a foundational virtue of our Republic: the willingness to speak openly and debate ideas.”

A while ago, probably in 2017, I appeared on Tucker Carlson’s Fox show to talk about God knows what. Afterwards a name I barely knew sent me a DM on twitter and told me I did a great job. It was Charlie Kirk, and that moment of kindness began a friendship that lasted until today.…

— JD Vance (@JDVance) September 11, 2025