U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk, describing him as a “martyr for truth and freedom” and “one of America’s greatest young patriots.”
In an emotional ceremony at the White House, Trump presented the medal to Kirk’s widow, Erika, praising the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA as a fearless voice who “stood unflinchingly for American values.”
“Charlie Kirk was a giant among men — a thinker like Socrates, a believer like Saint Peter, a liberator like Lincoln, and a dreamer like Martin Luther King,” Trump declared, his tone both solemn and defiant.
The 79-year-old vowed to intensify his administration’s crackdown on left-wing extremism, saying the nation “must have zero tolerance” for political violence.
“In the wake of Charlie’s assassination, we are done with angry mobs and radical hate. We will not allow extremists to make our streets unsafe or silence patriotic voices again,” Trump said, drawing applause from an audience packed with conservative leaders and media figures.
Kirk, a father of two, was shot dead last month on a Utah college campus, an attack that sent shockwaves through conservative circles and fueled fresh debates over political polarization and domestic extremism.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Argentine President Javier Milei, a libertarian ally of Trump, alongside prominent U.S. conservative commentators and lawmakers.
Fighting tears, Erika Kirk thanked Trump for cutting short his Middle East peace tour to attend the ceremony, which coincided with what would have been her husband’s 32nd birthday.
“You’ve given him the best birthday gift he could ever have,” she said, pausing to regain composure. “Charlie lived for this country — and if he were here today, he’d probably be running for president.”
The U.S. State Department announced Tuesday that it had revoked visas of at least six foreign nationals accused of celebrating Kirk’s assassination on social media.
Officials said the individuals — from Argentina, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, and Germany — had posted messages describing Kirk as “racist” or “xenophobic.” One German national reportedly lost their visa after posting: “When fascists die, democrats don’t complain.”
The administration has previously drawn criticism for revoking visas on political grounds, including against protesters involved in anti-war demonstrations at U.S. universities.
Charlie Kirk, who rose to prominence as the founder of Turning Point USA, built a vast online following across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where he championed conservative causes and mobilized young voters.
His assassination has been described by allies as a turning point for America’s right-wing movement, sparking nationwide calls for security crackdowns and new protections for political figures.
Tyler Robinson, 22, has been charged with first-degree murder in Kirk’s killing and could face the death penalty if convicted.
The White House said plans for a national memorial service are underway, with President Trump expected to deliver the eulogy.
“Charlie’s voice may be silent,” Trump said, closing the ceremony, “but his fight for America will echo forever.”
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