Donald Trump Set To Honor Charlie Kirk With Posthumous Presidential Medal Of Freedom

Charlie Kirk will receive a posthumous honor thanks to President Donald Trump!

The President shared the big news on Thursday, September 11, a day after his longtime supporter was tragically killed at Utah Valley University. He was shot in the neck while speaking at the first stop of his American Comeback Tour.

Charlie Kirk died at 31, leaving behind a legacy as a right-wing political activist and the co-founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA (TPUSA). The investigation into his passing has yet to unveil the motive behind the crime.

Trump announced his plans to honor Kirk's memory while speaking at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Pentagon. A video of his speech was shared by Fox News on X, capturing him hailing the late conservative commentator.

The POTUS described Kirk as "a giant of his generation, a champion of liberty, and an inspiration to millions and millions of people." He noted his prayers were with the deceased's wife, Erika Frantzve, and their two children, describing them as "fantastic people."

Trump claimed he would miss Kirk greatly but believed his "voice and the courage he put into the hearts of countless people, especially young people, will live on." On that note, he proudly declared, "I will soon be awarding Charlie Kirk posthumously the Presidential Medal of Freedom."

The post sparked several positive comments from fans who applauded Trump's decision to honor Kirk's life and career. "Shame we didn't do that honor when he was alive," an X user lamented. Another echoed similar sentiments, claiming the award showcased "how deeply Trump valued Charlie Kirk's influence on the movement."

"Charlie Kirk is so deserving of this tremendous honor," a third declared. More supporters agreed, with someone writing, "Thank you, Mr. President, so well spoken. Charlie is going to be greatly missed by millions." 

An X user proposed a national holiday for Kirk, telling Trump and Congress to make it happen. "Honoring someone posthumously is always bittersweet. A powerful reminder of Charlie Kirk's impact and the legacy he leaves behind. May his contributions continue to inspire," a commenter added.

Trump's posthumous honor announcement came a day after he confirmed Kirk's passing on his Truth Social platform. The Blast covered the story, reporting that he penned a poignant statement about the tragic Utah Valley University shooting.

He hailed Kirk as "great, and even legendary," stating he died after he was shot on campus. "No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie," Trump claimed. He noted Kirk was an inspiration to many, himself included.

The politician concluded his message with his condolences to Kirk's wife and declared his everlasting love for the deceased. Trump's September 10 post followed Kirk's shooting while he was 20 minutes into his presentation at the University.

Matthew Dowd, a political analyst at MSNBC, lost his job after his comments about Kirk's death sparked backlash. The Blast shared that he had labeled the deceased "one of the most divisive younger figures," implying his hateful comments sparked a hateful reaction.

Dowd also speculated that the shooter might have been a Kirk supporter who "shot their gun off in celebration." The network's president, Rebecca Kutler, slammed his comments as "inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable."

"There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise," Kutler stressed on X. Dowd also apologized, stressing that he never meant to blame Kirk for the attack and sent his condolences to his grieving family.

Dowd wasn't the only one catching heat for Kirk's passing, as The Blast reported that several rightists had vehemently slammed Barack Obama's tribute. The former president noted he was praying for Kirk's wife and two children amid the tragedy and condemned the shooting.

"We don't yet know what motivated the person who shot and killed Charlie Kirk, but this kind of despicable violence has no place in our democracy," Obama penned. Despite standing against the shooter, critics believed he was the last person who should comment on Kirk's death.

Some claimed prominent Democrats like Obama were partly responsible for what happened to Kirk. Others argued that he was aware of the shooter's motive, implying the suspect was a displeased leftist. Meanwhile, a few demanded that Obama actively stop the alleged violence lovers in the Democratic Party.

Will Charlie Kirk's wife receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom on his behalf?