President Donald Trump and Charlie Kirk's widow, Erika Kirk, reflected on the late founder of Turning Point USA's life while he was honored posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at an emotional ceremony on Tuesday.
In a ceremony held in the White House Rose Garden on a beautiful day, Trump said it was his privilege to award Kirk with our Nation's highest civilian honor.
WOW: President Trump awards Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 14, 2025
Thank you, President Trump! pic.twitter.com/4Ykb74deNm
Weeping, and With a Trembling Voice, Erika Kirk Forgives Her Husband's Assassin
"...An American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality, and the highest caliber, the late, great Charlie Kirk."
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 14, 2025
🇺🇸pic.twitter.com/9xEbm6DIO6
"Today we are here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for America's history for liberty," Trump said. "A beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody I have ever seen before."
"And an American patriot of the deepest conviction, the finest quality, and the highest caliber, the late, great Charlie Kirk," he added, as the audience erupted in applause.
President Trump said he wouldn't miss the ceremony for anything and had to race back across the globe after signing the historic peace deal in the Middle East to be there in time.
Trump got back from securing peace in the Middle East.
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 14, 2025
But that didn't stop him from coming home to present posthumously present Charlie Kirk with the Presidential Medial of Freedom.
"I would not have missed this moment for anything in the world!" pic.twitter.com/KGaLNA1Us4
Trump then reflected on the demonic act of the murder of Kirk by an assassin's bullet on September 10 on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.
"Charlie was a champion in every way, he didn't like losing...He loved this country & that's why it's my it’s my privilege to posthumously award Charles James Kirk, our nations highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom." — @POTUS 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/e60VpdOiHQ
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 14, 2025
"Charlie was a champion in every way; he didn't like losing…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 it's my privilege to posthumously award Charles James Kirk, our nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom," he added.
SEE: Coffee Shop That Faced Backlash After Honoring Charlie Kirk Has Bad News for the Haters
Charlie Kirk's Still Trying to Heal Country After His Murder With Final Quote in Last Interview
Today, Charlie would have been celebrating his 32nd birthday, and when Erika took to the podium, she called being honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom the best birthday gift he could ever have, while holding back tears.
"Honestly, President Trump, I have spent 7.5 years trying to find the perfect birthday gift for Charlie...but now I can say with confidence, Mr. President, that you have given him the best birthday gift he could ever have." ❤️ - Erika Kirk. pic.twitter.com/ogCWdJXBar
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 14, 2025
"Honestly, President Trump, I have spent 7.5 years trying to find the perfect birthday gift for Charlie...but now I can say with confidence, Mr. President, that you have given him the best birthday gift he could ever have."
While Erika kept it together for most of the speech, she did get emotional a few times, especially when she shared with Charlie their 3-year-old daughter's wish for Daddy's birthday.
Donald Trump tears up as Erika Kirk tells her late husband to have a "cupcake with ice cream, and go have a birthday surprise."
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) October 14, 2025
"I know you are celebrating in heaven today, but gosh, we miss you, we love you, and we promise we will make you proud. " ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dWyUx8qfbM
'Happy Birthday, Daddy. I want to give you a stuffed animal. I want you to eat a cupcake with ice cream and go have a birthday surprise. I love you,' that's what she said…I know you are celebrating in heaven today, but gosh, we miss you, and we love you, and we promise we will make you proud."
Following the ceremony, the White House sent out a release calling October 14, 2025, a "National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk."
It read, in part:
Today, on what would have been his 32nd birthday, our Nation honors the loving memory of Charlie Kirk. We offer our condolences to his beautiful wife, Erika, and two precious children. We call on every American to pray for peace in our public square. Above all, we renew our resolve to always defend our principles of truth, faith, and the open exchange of ideas.
Kirk's widow has truly been a sign of strength, love, and grace. We are so blessed to have her guiding the country and her husband's movement during this difficult time after his murder.
After the Medal of Freedom ceremony honoring @charliekirk11, President Trump and Vice President Vance stood with Erika as Amazing Grace played ❤️ pic.twitter.com/dWv9d4Z3WV
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) October 14, 2025
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