On October 14, 2025, President Trump posthumously awarded conservative activist Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom on what would have been his 32nd birthday. The honor was accepted by Kirk’s widow, Erika, during an emotionally charged ceremony in the Rose Garden.
In his Rose Garden address, President Trump hailed Charlie Kirk as a “fearless warrior for liberty” and “a patriot of the deepest conviction.”
Trump stated, “Five weeks ago, our nation was robbed of this extraordinary champion… He was a champion in every way. I got to know him so well. 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.”
Erika Kirk received the medal on behalf of her late husband. She thanked President Trump for prioritizing the ceremony, considering he had not landed back in D.C. until 3 a.m. the night before, after traveling to the Middle East as part of his campaign to restore peace in the region.
Speaking on her husband’s legacy, Erika said, “It’s such an honor, and the recognition of a life lived fighting for freedom.” She added that Charlie wholeheartedly believed, “When we defend liberty, we defend the soul of our nation.”
Erika made sure one point was made crystal clear to the students still involved with Turning Point USA: “Everything Charlie has built, you guys are the legacy of that.”
She spoke of Charlie’s mission to defend freedom as more than mere words, but a “testimony.” Erika noted that Charlie prayed for his enemies, though Trump had earlier quipped about whether or not Charlie truly did pray for them.
Erika revealed a tear-jerking message from their young daughter. When asked what she would want to tell her dad for his birthday, she replied: “Happy birthday, Daddy. I want to give you a stuffed animal. I want you to eat a cupcake with ice cream, and I want you to go have a birthday surprise. I love you.”
Erika told President Trump that in all her years trying to find the perfect gift for Charlie, who was not a fan of material items, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is “the best birthday gift he could ever have.”
