The nation’s most prestigious civilian accolade, the medal, is awarded by the president for contributions to the U.S., global peace, or noteworthy public endeavors.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is set to posthumously award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s premier civilian honor, coinciding with what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday.
Having just returned from a successful visit to the Middle East, where he played a key role in securing a ceasefire in Gaza, Trump is scheduled to present the medal at 4 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Since its creation in 1963, the Medal of Freedom has been bestowed on individuals who have made remarkably commendable contributions to U.S. security, global peace, or cultural or other essential public efforts.
Kirk tragically lost his life to gun violence on Sept. 10 while giving a talk at Utah Valley University. Trump was the first to publicly acknowledge Kirk’s passing, announcing the news on social media over two hours later.
“The Great, and truly Legendary, Charlie Kirk, has passed. No one grasped or connected with the youth of America better than Charlie. Adored and revered by all, especially me, his loss is profound,” Trump expressed on Truth Social. “Melania and I send our heartfelt sympathies to his lovely wife Erika, and family. Charlie, you are deeply loved!”
Trump isn’t the only one honoring Kirk on his birthday. The House of Representatives in September passed a resolution designating Oct. 14 as the “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.”
While it isn’t considered a holiday, the resolution encourages schools, civic organizations and people across the U.S. to “observe this day with appropriate programs, activities, prayers, and ceremonies that promote civic engagement and the principles of faith, liberty, and democracy that Charlie Kirk championed.”
The Florida legislature is also considering a bill that would require Florida’s public colleges and universities to rename their main roads after Kirk. That bill, HB 113, has drawn criticism from students and activists.
But Kevin Steele, the Florida representative who proposed the bill, said in a Facebook post that it was meant to honor Kirk’s legacy of “open dialogue.”
Kirk was a MAGA celebrity with a loyal following that turned out to support or argue with him as he traveled the country for the events like the one at Utah Valley University, where he was fatally shot.
Turning Point, the group Kirk founded to mobilize young Christian conservatives, became a multimillion-dollar operation under his leadership with enormous reach.
And he was a personal friend to many in the Trump administration. Vice President JD Vance credits Kirk with introducing him to the Trump campaign, eventually leading to him being selected as Trump’s VP.
Kirk’s death set off a flood of condolences and sympathy from Republicans and those in the right-wing media sphere.
After Kirk’s death, Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, flew to Utah and returned to Arizona with Kirk’s wife, Erika, and Kirk’s casket on Air Force Two. Vance also honored Kirk by hosting “The Charlie Kirk Show” on Sept. 15.
“Charlie Kirk was a true friend,” Vance wrote in a tribute online. “The kind of guy you could say something to and know it would always stay with him. I am on more than a few group chats with Charlie and people he introduced me to over the years. We celebrate weddings and babies, bust each other’s chops, and mourn the loss of loved ones.”
At the conservative activist’s funeral, Trump praised him as a “great American hero” and “martyr” for freedom. Trump also ordered that U.S. flags be lowered to half-staff for several days after Kirk was killed.
Who shot Charlie Kirk?
Utah prosecutors have charged Tyler Robinson, 22, with aggravated murder in Kirk’s assassination and plan to seek the death penalty.
Last month, Robinson’s attorney asked a judge for more time to review the large amount of evidence in the case before deciding if the defense will seek a preliminary hearing. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Oct. 30.
