WASHINGTON (TNND) — President Donald Trump announced he is set to posthumously award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Tuesday, which would have been the political activist’s 32nd birthday.
Trump shared the news Friday during an unrelated news conference.
They’re going to have a great celebration at the White House — in the East Room at the White House,” Trump said, noting that Kirk’s widow, Erika, will be at the event.
Trump first said he planned to grant Kirk the honor soon after Kirk was assassinated exactly one month ago on September 10. The next day, while Trump was speaking at a 9/11 remembrance event at the Pentagon, he praised Kirk for being “a champion of liberty.”
Charlie was a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty and an inspiration to millions and millions of people,” Trump previously said. “Our prayers are with his wonderful wife, Erika, and his beautiful children. Fantastic people. They are. We miss him greatly.”
Aside from the Congressional Medal of honor, which is reserved for military, Trump said the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest honor a person can be awarded.
Trump said while Tuesday will be a busy day for him, as he is scheduled to travel to the Middle East early next week as Israel and Hamas reach a peace deal, he will be sure to attend the event to honor Kirk.
“It’s not easy for me to get back. It’s a very quick trip, but I’ll be making two major stops, and then I’ll be back on the plane trying to get back in time for Charlie,” he said.
Kirk was shot and killed while he was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University. The political activist, who found the nonprofit organization Turning Point USA, was 31-years-old.
Utah prosecutors charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder in connection to Kirk’s assassination. They said they intend to seek the death penalty.
