Composite courtesy of Financial Express

 

US President Donald Trump is set to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk, an influential conservative activist, on what would have been his 32nd birthday. Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was tragically assassinated last month in Utah. The ceremony is scheduled for the Rose Garden, moved from the East Room to accommodate a larger crowd.

 

This award highlights Kirk's strong relationship with the Trump administration, as he becomes the first recipient of this honour in Trump's second term. Kirk played a pivotal role in energising young conservatives and was praised by Trump as a "great American hero." Kirk's funeral last month also saw Trump's active involvement, with Vice President JD Vance supporting Kirk’s widow, Erika.

 

The Presidential Medal of Freedom, created in 1963 by President Kennedy, recognises exceptional contributions to national interests, security, or cultural endeavours. Trump's recent trip back from Israel comes just before the ceremony, following a successful ceasefire negotiation in Gaza, demonstrating a busy schedule in the lead up to today's event.

 

During his presidency, Trump has awarded numerous medals to figures such as Tiger Woods, Lou Holtz, and Mariano Rivera. This term, he also plans to honour Rudy Giuliani and Ben Carson. Kirk's influence in Trump’s re-election is undeniable, though his divisive views, including criticisms of gay and transgender rights and inflammatory remarks on race, have been controversial.

 

Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012, shaping it into a major conservative youth organisation. His sharp critiques, including attacks on former Vice President Kamala Harris and incendiary remarks about George Floyd, have sparked significant debate and controversy.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• Charlie Kirk receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
• The event was moved to the Rose Garden for a larger audience.
• Kirk's divisive politics remain in focus despite high honours.

Related Stories:
Charlie Kirk Memorial Draws Massive Turnout in Arizona
JD Vance Hosts Show in Tribute to Slain Activist Charlie Kirk

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from AP News 2025-10-15

 

 

A MAGA martyr has been created.

21 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

A MAGA martyr has been created.

 

A case of "second time lucky" methinks.

47 minutes ago, JimHuaHin said:

A MAGA martyr has been created.

He’s trying anyway not sure if it’s getting any traction though.

Medal of Freedom once meant something, a high honor. Not any more... Trump gives it out like used car salesman giving balloons to the kiddies. 

1 minute ago, Emdog said:

Medal of Freedom once meant something, a high honor. Not any more... Trump gives it out like used car salesman giving balloons to the kiddies. 

As opposed to Obama, who limited recipients to his great American donors like: 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Ellen DeGeneres
Robert De Niro
Bill and Melinda Gates
Tom Hanks
Michael Jordan
Lorne Michaels
Robert Redford
Diana Ross
Cicely Tyson
 

 

 

What, exacyly, did he do that had anything to do with "freedom"?

2 minutes ago, rasalvaje said:

What, exacyly, did he do that had anything to do with "freedom"?

Unlike the left, he supported free speech and open discussions. 

 

Aside from being leftists and supporting Democrats, exactly do George Soros, or Obama's picks: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ellen DeGeneres, Robert De Niro, Bill and Melinda Gates, Tom Hanks, Michael Jordan, Lorne Michaels, Robert Redford, Diana Ross and Cicely Tyson have to do with freedom? 

Disgusting!

MAGA.

36 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Unlike the left, he supported free speech and open discussions. 

 

Aside from being leftists and supporting Democrats, exactly do George Soros, or Obama's picks: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Ellen DeGeneres, Robert De Niro, Bill and Melinda Gates, Tom Hanks, Michael Jordan, Lorne Michaels, Robert Redford, Diana Ross and Cicely Tyson have to do with freedom? 

I do not know as I have not researched the cited reason for each of the Obama recipients was given the honorary. Have you looked the publicly available information for each to see if they had made statement Kirk had made?

4 minutes ago, Wrwest said:

I do not know as I have not researched the cited reason for each of the Obama recipients was given the honorary. Have you looked the publicly available information for each to see if they had made statement Kirk had made?

No, they are all leftists, they would never speak openly, honestly and lovingly the way Kirk did. 

 

but there are all big Democrat donors and or supporters. 

58 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Unlike the left, he supported free speech and open discussions. 

 

The same Charlie Kirk..........

 

2 minutes ago, xylophone said:

The same Charlie Kirk..........

 

Yes, the same Charlie Kirk you and other leftists lie about incessantly.

 

Does lying and disparaging people not bother you even a little bit?

 

5 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

Yes, the same Charlie Kirk you and other leftists lie about incessantly.

 

Does lying and disparaging people not bother you even a little bit?

 

It didn't bother your leader, and those who voted for him, eh...

Solid move Don, Charlie was a great man... taken too early.

Well deserved. Give one to his old Lady, shes a champ too!

14 minutes ago, Yagoda said:

Well deserved. Give one to his old Lady, shes a champ too!

In what way....?  🤔

I never heard of this guy before he was tragically murdered, but did he contribute anything besides campaign for Trump?

1 hour ago, Yagoda said:

Well deserved. Give one to his old Lady, shes a champ too!

Why does his lady deserve the hard to get Medal of Honor.........?  🤔

Missing from the article, is that those critical of Kirk will be denied a visa. 

33 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Missing from the article, is that those critical of Kirk will be denied a visa. 

Great news that!

 

 

 

Reading FB posts and watching US news outlets, the Yanks really think the whole world is mourning the loss of this guy.......they have little concept of a world beyond their own borders.............!

The World, "Who?"

Tragic that the guy was murdered like that, but aren't they going a bit over the top with all this adulation. 

I mean, what's happened to American students. Are they not into partying, drugs and sex anymore.

 

 

 

2 minutes ago, Anthony mellows said:

Tragic that the guy was murdered like that, but aren't they going a bit over the top with all this adulation. 

I mean, what's happened to American students. Are they not into partying, drugs and sex anymore.

 

 

 

What adulation? A lot of people seem as having been a great American.