US President Donald Trump Honours Slain Conservative Influencer Charlie Kirk with Presidential Medal of Freedom on His Birthday
- Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika, accepted the nation’s highest civilian honour on what would have been his 32nd birthday.
- Kirk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in a ceremony at the White House Rose Garden.
- The conservative activist and MAGA influencer was shot and killed while speaking at a university in Utah last month.
In a poignant ceremony at the newly renovated White House Rose Garden, US President Donald Trump posthumously awarded conservative influencer Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom on what would have been his 32nd birthday. The honour was accepted by Kirk’s widow, Erika, who described it as “the best birthday present he could’ve received.”
Trump praised Kirk as “a champion, a patriot and a martyr for American freedom,” and labelled his murder as “a horrible, heinous and demonic act.” The President added, “We’re entering his name forever into the eternal roster of true American heroes. He’s a true American hero, an amazing person way, way beyond his years.”
Kirk’s widow, Erika, paid an emotional tribute to her late husband, saying, “It’s such an honour and the recognition of a life lived for defending freedom. And that’s what Charlie fought for until his last breath.” She also hinted that Kirk may have eventually sought the presidency “not out of ambition” but only if he believed “that was something that his country needed.”
Kirk’s murder has sent shockwaves across the nation, with 22-year-old Tyler Robinson charged over the assassination. Prosecutors have indicated they plan to seek the death penalty.
As the nation mourns the loss of a young life, Trump vowed to continue fighting for American freedom, saying, “In Charlie’s honour, we will continue like we have been to fight, fight, fight and to win, win, win. We’re going to win so much.”