Summary
- President Trump plans to award Charlie Kirk posthumously.
- Kirk was killed in a shooting at Utah Valley University.
- He was a prominent conservative activist and Trump ally.
In order to celebrate Kirk on what would have been the activist's 32nd birthday, the president hurried back from his diplomatic obligations in Israel and Egypt on Monday.
Kirk’s podcast producer, Andrew Kolvet, congratulated Trump ahead of time for “moving heaven and earth” to come back in time to present America’s highest civilian award to the founder of Turning Point USA.
On September 10, while debating students on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, Utah, Kirk was shot dead by a rooftop shooter.
The president and Kirk's widow, whom he shared a stage with at a memorial gathering in Glendale, will be reunited Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET in the White House's East Room.
At the same event, Trump himself said of Kirk:
“I know I speak for everyone here today when I say that none of us will ever forget Charlie Kirk, and neither now will history.
Because while Charlie has been reunited with his creator in heaven, his voice on earth will let go through the generations, and his name will live forever in the eternal chronicle of America's greatest patriots.”
Speaking to Fox and Friends on Tuesday morning, Turning Point COO Tyler Bowyer said Kirk’s medal was “well deserved” and applauded Erika Kirk for the “incredible strength” she had shown in supporting her young family since last month’s tragedy.
Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott said of the deceased when introducing his version:
“Charlie was a good man – a devout husband, father, and friend. His life was shaped by his faith and the idea that in America, debate and discussion are crucial to the betterment of our country.
He believed in God, the American dream, the value of family, and the principles of our great nation.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed last month that another resolution to honor “the life and legacy of our friend Charlie Kirk” had passed his chamber.
How has Trump's decision to honor Kirk been received by critics?
Kirk was a controversial public figure whose comments were interpreted by critics as racist, misogynistic, anti-immigrant, and transphobic. Critics view the decision to grant Kirk this prestigious honor as an endorsement of incendiary commentary and exacerbation of political and societal divides.
Many people contend that Trump is using the award as a means to activate his political base amid ongoing culture wars and to further solidify his control over the conservative movement, abandoning any focus on national unity or consensus leadership.
Some observers further warn that the crackdown on critics including journalists, educators, and entertainers by Trump administration officials raises serious questions about free speech and civil rights. The award is viewed as part of a heightened effort to stifle dissent.