Charlie Kirk posthumously awarded Medal of Freedom on what would have been his 32nd birthday

President Donald Trump is posthumously awarding Turning Point USA (TPUSA) co-founder Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom Tuesday — the highest award issued to civilians in the U.S. 

“Today, we’re here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, a beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody I’ve ever seen before. And an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality and the highest caliber. The late, great Charlie Kirk,” Trump said from the Rose Garden on Wednesday. 

“Five weeks ago, our nation was robbed of this extraordinary champion.… He was assassinated in the prime of his life for boldly speaking the truth, for living his faith and relentlessly fighting for a better and stronger America. He loved this country. And that’s why this afternoon it’s my privilege to posthumously award Charles James Kirk, our nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom,” he continud. 

Kirk, 31, was shot and killed during his “American Comeback Tour” at Utah Valley University in September. His death came a year after two assassination attempts against Trump.

CHARLIE KIRK’S COLLEAGUES AND PASTORS PRAISE HIS PATRIOTISM AS TRUMP READIES HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOR

President Donald Trump walks onto the stage after being introduced by Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at the Turning Point Action conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, July 15, 2023. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

“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,” Trump said Sept. 11 when he announced Kirk would receive the honor.

Individuals who receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom are those who presidents determine have provided an “especially meritorious contribution” to the national security of the U.S., world peace or other cultural endeavors. Trump is awarding Kirk the award at the White House on what would have been his 32nd birthday. 

David Engelhardt, lead pastor of Kings’ Church in New York City and board member of TPUSA, said it’s a “privilege” to watch Kirk be honored with the award. 

“Charlie is the right recipient to the Medal of Freedom because he believed that God’s moral order, found in faith, is not a limit to freedom but the soil it grows in,” Engelhardt told Fox News Digital. “People who destroy that soil in the name of safe spaces and to protect against ‘dangerous ideas’ will soon find their land barren. Charlie stood for freedom rightly ordered and founded in the gravity of God’s system.”

‘SLEEPING GIANT’ LIKELY WOKE UP FOR TURNING POINT USA AFTER CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSINATION

An image of slain conservative commentator Charlie Kirk is placed at a memorial in his honor, at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Sept. 29, 2025. (Jim Urquhart/Reuters)

Kirk’s widow, Erika, has been tapped to serve as TPUSA’s new chief executive officer in the wake of her husband’s death to lead the organization and guide the next generation of conservative leaders. 

“I feel a sense of deep gratitude to Erika Kirk and the entire Turning Point USA team for their tireless work in continuing to shape a generation grounded in truth and purpose,” Engelhardt said. 

TRUMP TO AWARD CHARLIE KIRK MEDAL OF FREEDOM AFTER CAMPUS ASSASSINATION

President Donald Trump joined Charlie Kirk’s widow, Erika, on stage at the Turning Point USA founder’s memorial service in Arizona on Sept. 21, 2025. (Eric Thayer/Getty Images)

The shooting suspect involved in Kirk’s assassination, Tyler Robinson, was charged in September with aggravated murder, along with other charges. 

Trump is awarding Kirk with the medal following his visit to the Middle East to oversee a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. 

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.