4:07Turning Point USA’s co-founder, Charlie Kirk, can be seen in the room’s rear while Donald Trump delivers remarks during a formal induction event held in the White House’s Oval Office on May 28, 2025, situated in Washington, DC.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
Reports indicate that President Donald Trump is set to bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s most prestigious civilian accolade, on the late conservative figure, Charlie Kirk, this Tuesday.
Kirk tragically lost his life on September 10, following a shooting during his address at Utah Valley University, the opening venue of his “The American Comeback Tour,” a series designed to foster discussions on pivotal topics among university students.
Trump was the initial source to confirm Kirk’s passing on that very day, subsequently announcing his decision to honor Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing the Turning Point USA founder as “a colossus of his era.”
Turning Point USA’s co-founder, Charlie Kirk, is seen in the back of the room while Donald Trump speaks during an inauguration ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House on May 28, 2025 in Washington, DC.Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The event follows Trump’s return to Washington in the early hours of Tuesday from a journey to the Middle East, where he celebrated a ceasefire pact between Israel and Hamas, a deal he facilitated.
October 14 marks Kirk’s birthday; he would have reached the age of 32. Previously, both the House and Senate sanctioned a resolution designating this date as a “National Day of Remembrance.”
Last Friday, Trump mentioned his return from abroad was for Kirk, whom he described as “a close friend, a friend to us all.”
“It symbolizes the ultimate honor,” Trump remarked regarding the award. “And Erika, his beloved wife, will be present, along with numerous others.”
The president and Erika Kirk shared a touching moment on stage during Kirk’s memorial, held in Arizona, attracting tens of thousands of mourners who came to honor Kirk, a significant Trump associate and a confidant to many within his administration.
The pair embraced following Trump’s concluding statements and after Erika Kirk declared her forgiveness towards her husband’s murderer.
Erika Kirk accompanies Donald Trump on stage during the memorial for political figure Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona.Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Kirk played a pivotal role in cultivating Trump’s movement, exerting considerable influence, particularly among young conservatives. Nevertheless, certain remarks concerning gun-related incidents, LGBTQ matters, racial issues, and more, sparked critique from liberals and others.
At his memorial, Trump and fellow leading conservative personalities lauded Kirk as a “martyr.”
“I believe I echo the sentiments of everyone assembled here today in asserting that none among us will ever forget Charlie Kirk, and neither will history,” Trump stated at the time. “For while Charlie has rejoined his maker in the heavens, his earthly voice will resonate through generations, and his name will endure eternally in the annals of America’s most distinguished patriots.”
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
