STORY: President Donald Trump on Tuesday (October 14) awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to slain activist Charlie Kirk, a prominent voice in the conservative movement before his assassination last month.

"Today we're here to honor and remember a fearless warrior for liberty, beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody I've ever seen before," Trump said in a Rose Garden event.

Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot on September 10 while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University, a killing that shocked the nation and reignited debates over political violence.

Kirk's assassination has become a rallying point for the Republican president, who has used it to energize his base and push for sweeping measures by the state against what he calls "radical left extremism."

Officials have found no evidence that the suspect in Kirk's shooting acted in concert with any group.

A key figure in conservative politics, Kirk mobilized young voters for Trump's 2024 campaign. His influence was significant but divisive, marked by attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and civil rights. Supporters hailed him as a champion of free speech, while critics argue he helped mainstream extremist views.

Since his death, Trump has called Kirk a "martyr for American freedom" and vowed at his memorial service to carry on his work. In September, both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate approved resolutions declaring October 14 a "National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk."

Trump also signed a proclamation on Tuesday declaring October 14, 2025 — on what would have been Kirk's 32nd birthday — as a "National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk."

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP GIVING ERIKA KIRK, WIFE OF SLAIN CONSERVATIVE COMMENTATOR CHARLIE KIRK, THE MEDAL OF FREEDOM POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED TO CHARLIE KIRK DURING A CEREMONY AT THE WHITE HOUSE, SOUNDBITES FROM TRUMP AND ERIKA KIRK.

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT.

SHOWS: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (OCTOBER 14, 2025) (U.S. NETWORK POOL – No use USA)

1. U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP WALKING OUT TO THE WHITE HOUSE ROSE GARDEN ALONGSIDE ERIKA KIRK, WIFE OF SLAIN CONSERVATIVE COMMENTATOR CHARLIE KIRK

2. ERIKA KIRK TAKING HER SEAT, TRUMP APPROACHING PODIUM

3. ATTENDEES TAKING THEIR SEATS

4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“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.”

5. ATTENDEES APPLAUDING

6. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“As you know, only hours ago, I returned from a very historic trip to secure a peace in the Middle East. People said that couldn't be done. Charlie felt it could be done. Charlie felt it could be done.”

7. ATTENDEES STANDING UP TO APPLAUD TRUMP

8. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“But I raised back halfway around the globe. I was going to call Erica and say, Erica, could you maybe move it to Friday? And I didn't have the courage to call. But you know why I didn't call? Because I heard today was Charlie's birthday. And I said, you know, now that was a definite. And I said, we're going to have to forget about some of those very big, very rich countries that expected me to be there. And I can tell you, based on the length of that flight, I wouldn't want to go back tomorrow.”

9. TRUMP SPEAKING (NOT A SOUNDBITE)

10. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“President of Argentina, he wanted to be here, that Argentina's a serious flight. Right. And he's become a superstar and he's doing amazing things. It's, he's a MAGA person, but it's 'Make Argentina great again'. That's what he does. Right? And I want you to stand, please, Javier.”

11. ARGENTINIAN PRESIDENT JAVIER MILEI STANDING UP, ATTENDEES APPLAUDING

12. ERIKA KIRK AND TRUMP LISTENING TO OFF-CAMERA MILITARY STAFF READING CITATION FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM

13. ERIKA KIRK LISTENING TO CITATION,

14. TRUMP HANDING MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO ERIKA KIRK

15. ERIKA KIRK AND TRUMP STANDING, HOLDING MEDAL OF FREEDOM

16. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ERIKA KIRK, WIDOW OF CHARLIE KIRK, SAYING:

“Thank you, Mr. President, for honoring my husband in such a profound and meaningful way. And thank you for making this event a priority amid the peace process in the Middle East. Thank you. Very grateful.”

17. KIRK SPEAKING (NOT A SOUNDBITE)

18. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ERIKA KIRK, WIDOW OF CHARLIE KIRK, SAYING:

“Now I can say with confidence, Mr. President, that you have given him the best birthday gift he could ever have.”

19. KIRK SPEAKING (NOT A SOUNDBITE)

2O. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ERIKA KIRK, WIDOW OF CHARLIE KIRK, SAYING WHILE SOBBING:

“I'll share with you that I asked our daughter what she would like to say to Daddy for his birthday. She said, 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. But I love you. That's what she said. And while our son is precious, he can't yet speak, in classic Kirk family fashion. His actions speak louder than his words and his gift to you. Charlie and myself, for that matter, was deciding to become the man of the house and be fully potty trained at 16 months. Charlie, baby, I know that you're celebrating in heaven today, but, gosh, I miss you. We miss you.”

21. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ERIKA KIRK, WIDOW OF CHARLIE KIRK, SAYING:

“Happy birthday, my Charlie. Happy Freedom Day.”

22. ERIKA KIRK TURNING AWAY FROM PODIUM TOWARDS TRUMP, TRUMP COMFORTING KIRK