Former President Donald Trump awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to conservative activist Charlie Kirk in an emotional ceremony that drew prominent political figures and family members to the event.
Trump noted that since beginning his second term, he had announced additional recipients of the nation’s highest civilian honor, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson.
Erika Kirk, accepting the medal on behalf of her late husband, delivered a moving tribute that highlighted his “fearlessness,” deep faith, defense of liberty, and what she described as his “servant’s heart.” She reflected on how those values might have shaped his future had he lived.
“If the moment had come, he probably would have run for president,” Erika said. “But not out of ambition. He would only have done it if he believed his country needed it from a servant’s-heart standpoint.”
At one point, she recalled how Charlie prayed even for those who opposed him — a comment that drew a smile from Trump. At Kirk’s funeral, the former president had remarked that this was a key difference between them, saying, “I hate my opponent, and I don’t want the best for them,” drawing a mix of laughter and knowing nods at the time.
Erika grew emotional while sharing a moment involving the couple’s young daughter. She recounted what the child said she wished she could give her father on 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,’” Erika recalled, holding back tears.
She ended her remarks with a line that resonated deeply across the room: “To live free is the greatest gift, but to die free is the greatest victory. Happy birthday, my Charlie. Happy freedom day.”
After concluding, Erika Kirk embraced Trump as the first notes of “Amazing Grace” began to play. Standing beside her was Usha Vance, who placed a steadying hand on her shoulder as Erika held the medal tightly, wiping away tears.
Event organizers confirmed that the program included updated remarks and additional ceremonial elements added shortly before the event.