October 14, 2025 was also the day that President Donald J. Trump presented the nation’s highest civilian honor – the Presidential Medal of Freedom – to the late Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, accepted the award on his behalf. The ceremony, relocated to the Rose Garden, drew a large crowd of Kirk’s family and friends, along with numerous cabinet members and the Vice President, a close personal friend. Trump interrupted his Middle East peace talks to make sure to attend.

The event was both solemn and electric: a tribute to a man who inspired millions of young conservatives and paid the ultimate price for standing up for truth.

“Charlie Kirk was one of a kind and unstoppable…and irreplaceable,” President Trump said. “In Charlie’s honor, we will fight, fight, fight, and win, win, win.”

Erika Kirk, who is now the CEO of Turning Point USA, accepted the medal on her husband’s behalf, standing strong before a crowd that included lawmakers, Turning Point leaders, and supporters from across the nation. The moment underscored not only Kirk’s meteoric rise but also the deep cultural impact of his work in reviving patriotic pride among America’s youth. “Freedom” was the theme.

Even in the face of hostility and constant threats, Kirk’s resolve never wavered. Trump said, “Charlie Kirk started with only an idea to change minds on college campuses, and instead he ended up with a far greater achievement changing history. He changed history.”

The president added, “Today, Charlie Kirk rests in glory in heaven for all eternity. He has gone from speaking on campuses in Wisconsin to kneeling at the throne of God, where he is right now. We grieve for the friend and leader that we have lost, but we go forward, strengthened by his faith and bolstered by his courage and inspired by his example to defend the country he lived for.”

At the end of her speech, Erika said, “To live free is the greatest gift but to die free is the greatest victory. Happy Birthday, my Charlie… and happy freedom day.”

Afterwards, violins played “Amazing Grace.”

The Official Citation:

“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to Charles James Kirk. Accepting on behalf of Charlie is his wife, Mrs. Erika Kirk. Charlie Kirk was one of the most influential American political figures of his generation. At just 18 years old, he founded Turning Point USA and grew it into the largest conservative youth organization in the nation. For over a decade, he tirelessly traveled the country, leading a movement to restore respect for our founding principles, reawaken our national identity, and inspire a renewed spirit of religious devotion. He was one of the great debaters and communicators of his time. Despite receiving repeated threats, he remained undeterred and modeled courage, logic, humor, and grace to the next generation. On September 10, 2025, at age 31, Charlie Kirk was assassinated while addressing a group of students. The United States honors him as a martyr for truth and freedom.”